Sunbeam sailors enjoy tribute to Chisholm
Nineteen Sunbeams took part in the annual Henry Chisholm weekend regatta at Itchenor Sailing Club.
The event celebrates the impact of Sir Henry Chisholm in the 1950s and 60s when he re-invigorated the Sunbeam Class at Itchenor.
All four races were sailed in light shifty conditions with the wind speed generally in single figures.
The first race consisted of four laps of a short windward/ leeward course at the head of the Thorney Channel.
First at the windward mark was Tina Webster’s V66 Molly but the race became a close battle between former International 14 world champion Martin Jones in V32 Holly and husband and
wife Joe and Cathy Burnie in V41 Fleury, closely followed by Ollie Gilchrist and Becky Wickens in V68 Sky and Nick
Leach and Martin Evans in V18 Polly. The race finished in that order.
The winners of last year’s regatta, V26 Danny sailed by Roger Wickens and Tim Martell, were fifth, having been last at the first mark.
The second race had a longer course. V41 Fleury led the race from the start with Holly pulling through the fleet on the reach into second, with Sky taking third.
The weather forecast for the second day’s racing promised slightly more wind but this largely failed to appear.
Race three saw the fleet undertake a five-lap race on a short course where clear air was essential in order to maximise performance.
V41 Fleury took the win. V26 Danny stole second place from V68 Sky on the finish line whie V32 Holly was fourth.
With one race to go V41 Fleury led the Regatta but could not relax as V32 Holly was in contention.
V18 Polly got the best start but was passed by Danny and Holly. Fleury caught the leading three and crept over the finish line to take the race and Regatta win, followed by Danny.
Polly and Holly were becalmed and overtaken by boats who had a private breeze on the shore.
Joe and Cathy Burnie sailing Fleury took victory in the Regatta followed by Holly and Sky. Later, 40 Sunbeamers enjoyed the hospitality of Itchenor SC and raised their glasses to Sir Henry Chisholm.