Twenty competitors took part in Chichester Yacht Club’s Feva open meeting on 5 May. The conditions were tricky for sailors and race officials: the postponement had to be hoisted during the start sequence for the first race when the wind temporarily died completely, and again in the third race, when it swung through 180 degrees and the course had to be sailed in reverse! In the second race the wind swung unpredictably, which destroyed Alexandra and Stephanie Orton’s long lead, though they still finished second.

The racing was close, with places being snatched on the finishing line at times, and although one group was usually at the front of the fleet, there was not a very wide separation between first and last.

Each race had a different winner. James Bolingbroke and Matt Heathcote won the first, James Hamer and Josh Cripps the second, and Natalya Eyre and Tim Kindleysides the third, which made them overall winners on count-back. No-one had a very consistent set of results.

Nine clubs were represented, from as far away as West Mersea and Thorpe Bay. The best CYC result was Hugo Jones-Warner and Hugo Tucker, who were seventh, and the youngest team, while Ellie Murray and Jasmine Barnes-Keycomb were awarded the novice prize: Jasmine had never sailed before, and stood in as Elli’s crew at very short notice!

Chris Baddely and Oliver Lambert, from Sevenoaks School, were awarded a special prize for their sportsmanship in returning after an OCS from well up the beat, and still finishing.

Overall Results
1st 2000, Natalya Eyre and Tim Kindleysides, Thorpe Bay YC 9 pts
2nd 1765, James Bolingbroke and Matt Heathcote, Mercia SC 9 pts
3rd 1582, Alex Poyner and Holly Tucker, Emsworth SC 10 pts
4th 1753, James Hamer and Josh Cripps. Hayling Island SC 13 pts
5th 1926, Jake and Dan Bullock, Burghfield SC 14 pts