RS Elites at Chichester Harbour Race Week

Ossie Stewart and crew drop their spinnaker during Chichester Harbour Race Week © Peter Hickson

Colin Smith and crew sailing RS Elite number 007 Shaken not Stirred emerged as winners of the RS Elite event in 2018 Chichester Harbour Race Week, with Adrian Ward and Crew in Elite 20 Lite Bloo in second place and Freddie Peters and crew in Elite 20 Riff Raff in third.

What was formerly known as Federation Week was rebranded as Chichester Harbour Race Week several years ago, although it is still known affectionately as Fed Week by many people. It is primarily a dinghy event but has always had a presence from the Flying Fifteen class and other keelboat classes have participated in the past.

The RS Elite, which originated in Chichester Harbour, has become a fixture in Race Week in recent years with races held on a dedicated racecourse separate from the dinghy events. This year the Elites sailed a six-race series on the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of Race Week. Races were held on short windward-leeward courses in the vicinity of Chichester Harbour entrance where detailed knowledge and understanding of the strong tides s vital, placing great importance on pre-race preparation. The tides, together with the short course legs this year, presented challenges for the competitors, particularly on Thursday when winds were light.

Despite following immediately after Cowes Week, which this year had a record entry from the RS Elite class, Race Week nevertheless saw an entry of nine Elites, seven of which had also raced at Cowes. The new dry sailing, launch and recovery facilities provided by Hayling Island Sailing Club enhanced the logistics for the competitors this year.

Overall Results: