Chichester Harbour Race Week 2026 - Overall
by Greg Wells 19 Aug 23:01 NZST
10-14 August 2026
Wow! What a great week was enjoyed during this relentless summer of sun. 383 boats (some 573 competitors) representing 66 clubs from not only all parts of the UK but also from Germany and beautiful Mount Martha in Victoria, Australia, came to enjoy Chichester Harbour Race Week.
With the hot sun, northerly-easterly winds and morning starts (to correspond with high water - CHRW is always raced on the top of the tide to give ample space for all the fleets) it was always going to be a tricky week to get all the races in. The hot sun usually kills off the northerly and easterly winds by late morning.
On day one both start time and high water were at 10.00 am so the race team were afloat early and scheduled short races in an 8 knot dropping to 5 knots north westerly wind on the shallows of Pilsey sands. All races were completed albeit quite short for some fleets, as the light breeze teased by dropping away, only to strengthen again. The later starters enjoyed more breeze (10-11 knots) and had a good race as the northerly eventually won the battle with the southerly sea breeze.
On coming ashore for lunch, competitors enjoyed live music on the HISC balcony.
Day 2 was champagne sailing day! A gorgeous 12-15 knot south easterly which increased to 18 knots during the race. This direction gave the race team plenty of room to set a big course across the harbour from Emsworth channel to East Head with gybe marks on the infamous winner bank at the entrance of the harbour! Conditions were truly excellent, and whilst some boats capsized most were back upright to complete the course.
Lots of smiling faces and happy sailing stories were witnessed during the après beers on the balcony and then later that evening as competitors made their way to Emsworth Slipper SC's rum and live music party in the evening.
Day 3 and the wind began in the north east. It moved gradually to just south of east but dropped from a healthy 12 knots to 6-7 knots and races had to be shortened to two rounds. It was a challenging day for all with constant wind pressure and shift changes.
This was the day we welcomed the Elite OD and excellent race team from Itchenor SC to the regatta. They had a much better 12-14 knot south easterly in Hayling Bay. "Great courses and superb sailing." was heard from their class captain. The south-easterly breeze gave better opportunity for Series C to use more of the 'west mud shallows' (an area between the Emsworth and Mengeham channels) to provide a larger trapezoid course for the Teras and Optimists.
On coming ashore sailors were rewarded for their efforts with a delicious balcony BBQ to enjoy with a cold beer and sounds from the steel band! In the evening, competitors headed to the now legendary Mengeham Rythe sailing club quiz night for a hugely entertaining evening, and visitors from Bowmoor SC winning a large air fryer for their clubhouse.
Day 4. Unbelievably hotter and winds lighter, so boats were held ashore to allow a weak SE sea breeze to develop which it duly did and racing was under way after about an hour's postponement. Winds were not very convincing with different directions and strength on either side of the course. There were huge gains and losses to be had. The wind did eventually clock to the south but only towards the end of the race and it was only the late starting RS200s who were able to enjoy a couple of laps in the fresher breeze.
Once again in the bay conditions were a bit easier for the Elites OD's who enjoyed another fine day. Series C started late as well but more settled wind suited perfectly
The evening function was party night at HISC where the atmosphere was wonderful as sailors danced into the early hours to the live band.
Day 5. Even hotter! A good north westerly first thing but forecast to drop before the scheduled start time of 12.10 so once again boats were held ashore to wait for the SW sea breeze to build (much to the relief of the previous night's revellers!) It was a bit of a wait but worth it. A lovely 10-12 knots south westerly eventually arrived and racing commenced at 13.40 on a classic CHRW course with windward marks set on the winner bank. Likewise, the Elites had good racing again in Hayling bay west although a few more shifts and pressure changes to contend with.
A great way to end a truly memorable week.
The early evening prize-giving was held overlooking the beautiful Chichester Harbour with the South Downs in the background. Regatta PRO, Robert Macdonald, thanked all competitors and helpers and in particular the generosity of the event sponsor Bentley Telecom, whose CEO picked up a trophy for winning Friday's Finn race, and the three prize sponsors, NFU (Chichester, Horsham, & Pulborough) Optimum Time, and Overboard Bags.
Well done to Chichester Yacht club for retaining the prestigious team trophy. Other notable results were the 5 bullets by Paul and Caroline Fisk in the 2000 class, despite only three wins required, veteran 49er sailors James Yearsley and Johny Costard (HISC) securing 4 wins racing a more sedate Flying Fifteen, Alex Butler (HISC) in the Solos with four wins and similarly Ella Gardiner (Emsworth SC) in the ILCA4 and Tom Knight (CYC) in the ILCA 6 fleets Lara Smith (Frensham Pond) clocked a very creditable seven first places out of ten.
Next year's regatta will be held on Monday 16th - Friday 20th August 2027.