Hello from the Race Week promotion team
Race Week 2017: the countdown begins
There's a month to go to the first start, so get ready
Things to think about:
● enter - online entry continues until midnight on August 19, then entry is in person all week at HISC
● be part of the growing youth group, renew acquaintances, make new friends - almost a quarter of names on the list so far are under-18s, helming or crewing in Oppies, RS Teras, RS Fevas, Laser Radials and 4.7s, RS 200s and more
● start forming your club team - there are trophies for all-age and youth teams, a maximum of five members per team with the best three overall positions used to calculate the winners.
● learn the art of successful single-handed sailing (there could be double-handed tips, too) from Charlie
Cumbley, fresh from victory in the 90-boat 2017 Solo Nationals, the latest of his series of Solo, OK and D-One championship titles - after racing on Tuesday
● thank the sponsors, headed again this year by Bentley Walker, Hayling Island-based worldwide satellite broadband provider and electronics/electricals retailer
● spare a thought for the people who make Race Week happen - see more below.
Chichester Harbour Race Week is run by volunteers - more than 100 of them, recognisable by their Race Week shirts. They come from member clubs of Chichester Harbour Federation, which unites all the harbour sailing clubs and marine businesses. Hayling Island SC is the host, providing the excellent facilities for everyone.
You'll see the committee boat and safety people on the
water, but what happens on shore? Up in the race box with its 270-degree view over the water are the safety controller and his team, making sure safety boat cover is spread over all racing areas and competing boats are recorded as they return to shore.
Behind the race box is the race office, essential admin hub of the week. Just four people form the core team here, ensuring competitors' details are on the event computer system, printing and displaying sign afloat and sign ashore sheets (these are essential to event safety, so please sign!) and other notices, answering a myriad of queries and - most crucially - ensuring the results are displayed quickly.
We'll be in touch once more before August 21, but if you have any questions in the meantime don't hesitate to get in touch.
Photos: Race Week
competitors start young; the expert, Charlie Cumbley
