Itchenor Sailing Club to host 2012 Mirror Nationals

Happy days afloat in a Mirror dinghy © Mary Pudney

In this Olympic year Itchenor sailing club is proud to be housing the Mirror National Sailing Championships. The Mirror is a popular boat sailed by children and adults and is an RYA recognised class. Many famous sailors started out in Mirrors, including local sailor Ian Walker who has won two silver medals - "My dad used to say to me that if I learnt to sail a Mirror fast I could sail anything fast – and he was right."

Itchenor Sailing Club based on the beautiful sailing waters of Chichester harbour, will host boats from all over the country. "We aim to make sure this is a fun family friendly championship" said Tom Trevelyan, Rear Commodore of Itchenor and event Chairman.

Itchenor is a wonderful venue for all the family. Based on beautiful Chichester harbour Itchenor is near the blue flag beaches of Wittering and the market town of Chichester. There are lots of holiday activities for the whole family to enjoy.

There will be a range of social activities and the club house has a cosy bar and a full range of food on offer from our professional team.

We plan to have great for a broad range of skills and age ranges. Racing will be in the safe and enjoyable Chichester harbour. The race officer will be Peter Taylor, who will also be a race officer for the 49ers at the Olympics this year. "This is a perfect venue for competitors to do their first championship, and more experienced sailors will also enjoy the challenges of this unique venue" said Peter.

Itchenor Sailing Club is a family club with members aged from 8 to 80. Based on Chichester harbour, an area of outstanding natural beauty and within easy reach of London. We offer a range of sailing for juniors, dinghies, keel boats and cruisers, of all standards. In addition we have a great professionally run club house with accommodation, swimming pool, bar and good food. Throughout the year there are a range of social activities and training courses.

Navigators & General, the UK's No.1 pleasure craft insurer, will sponsor the event. Simon Tonks their business development director is pleased to be supporting such an important event and ensuring that Navigators & General bring their expertise to the Mirror class.

There are a range of social activities and training courses.

The Mirror class is the World's most popular double handed sailing dinghy. It can be sailed by 2 children or an adult and child. From beginners to expert racers, it is probably responsible for introducing more people to the delights of sailing than any other boat, some have even gone onto win Olympic medals, the latest being Paul Goodison taking Gold in China.

Competitors are looking forward to the event. "I am looking forward to competing with as many great sailors from across the country at my home club" said National squad member Izzy Davies and her twin sister Kate added that she was " looking forward to making visitor feel welcome, and ensuring that we all have fun at the socials on shore".

Enter online now here or go to www.itchenorsc.co.uk