2024 Bosham Regatta

Winning ILCA sailor Matthew Board at the Bosham Regatta 2024 © Paul Adams / Harbour Images

Tideway with stormy clouds at the Bosham Regatta 2024 © Paul Adams / Harbour Images

Bosham Regatta shines despite the tail end of Storm Lillian.

On Saturday the 24th of August, Bosham Sailing Club hosted the 2024 Bosham Regatta.

The 107 entries were started across three committee boats. Competitors had to deal with rain and light winds to get to the committee boats. Upon reaching the committee boats they were hit with squalls of up to 24 knots and heavy rain, causing a few boats to have to retire. This included Marcus Waring, who had the top section of his laser mast break. Principal Race Officer, Peter Lacey, and Race Officers Frank McCormack and Richard Stephens worked brilliantly with their race management teams, having to deal with wind shifts of a full 180 degrees just before the starts.

Committee Boat Glad Emma started the Swallows, Sunbeams, XOD keelboats, National 18s, Finns, RS400, Wayfarers, ILCAs/Lasers, 420s, RS Aeros, Yachting World Day boats and Devon Yawls under the watchful eye of Principal Race Officer Peter Lacey and his team.

Committee boat Rosie started the Tideways, Chichester Scows, Kittiwake 14, RS Fevas, Toppers, Mirrors and the two rowing exhibition races from a Swift coastal quad and a St Ayles skiff. Frank McCormack (President of BSC) was the Race Officer on Rosie.

The third committee boat was positioned down in Cutmill and was used to start three races for the Optimist fleet. Richard Stephens (BSC Optimist class captain) was the Race Officer.

As competitors sailed their Chichester Harbour courses the wind became more consistent in direction and speed (9-16 knots), making for fun, competitive racing. As they approached Bosham Quay finish line the sun finally came out as well. The first boat across the line, in each class, was rewarded by a canon finish, fired by Canon Commander Nick Fox.

When competitors came ashore, they were welcomed by the Bosham Church bells ringing for a wedding, as well as the 'Simply Jazz Quartet' playing at Bosham Sailing Club. It created a very joyful and festive atmosphere at the club.

Wedding at the Bosham Regatta 2024 - photo © Jeremy Board

As the 213 competitors and 46 volunteers enjoyed their free tea and cakes, the results were processed.

Richard Lewis, Commodore at BSC, gave a warm welcoming speech. Thanking Stride & Son the sponsors, the fantastic 46 volunteers, the amazing staff at Bosham Sailing Club and Steven Board (Rear Commodore Dinghies) who organised the Regatta. Richard then announced the winners of the awards and Nigel Glennie, from Stride & Son, presented them.

Prize giving at the Bosham Regatta 2024 - photo © Maddie McCormack

Awards were presented in each class to the following sailors, full results are available at www.boshamsailingclub.com/results

Overall Results: