The race area: Chichester Harbour Race Week is sailed from Hayling Island SC, at the south-eastern tip of Hayling Island, right by the entrance to the harbour. Racing is run just inside the entrance, where the combination of a broad area of open water, tidal currents and sandbanks make for interesting, sometimes challenging but rarely intimidating sailing.
Launching, landing and boat facilities ashore: a long, gently shelving sandy beach provides lots of room for launching and landing at all stages of the tide. On shore you’ll find plenty of hard or soft boat parking space, hoses for washing off salt and sand, and an on-site chandlery for new or replacement parts or gear.
Race organisation: fleets are divided into three series, each with its own committee boat. Courses for Series A and B spread from the harbour
mouth up into the creeks, while a separate, more sheltered area is allocated to smaller people and boats in Series C. Starts are planned for 17 different classes, one-design and handicap, plus the opportunity of a separate start for any class mustering sufficient advance entries. The emphasis is on good racing, but this isn’t a championship – the aim is for everyone, at every level, to enjoy the sailing.
Fun for all: the expanded social programme for 2016 features a Brazil-themed beach party, quiz night and 'how to win Race Week' workshop, as well as the popular Venture team sprint racing, bands and Thursday night disco.
A great place for people: sailors have two large changing rooms with hot showers; families and friends are very welcome and have a spectacular view of the race area from the club balcony; there is plenty of free car
parking; the beach is perfect for those too young to sail.
Food and drink: HISC provides hot and cold food throughout the day, with the club restaurant serving a great breakfast and plenty of choice for supper. The bar is open all day.
The area around: Chichester Harbour is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; it offers great waterside walks, wildlife watching and boat tours for non-sailors. Hayling Island is a classic holiday destination and there are plenty more indoor and outdoor attractions on the mainland.
Discounted early entry: remember, all entries before July 1 are at 2015 rates. See the website for more details.
