Chichester Yacht Club Celebrates a SunSoaked and Spectacular Dinghy Week 2026
Published 12:38 on 3 Aug 2026
Chichester Yacht Clubs annual Dinghy Week delivered five days of competitive racing, junior training and social events in glorious summer conditions, reaffirming its reputation as one of the most enjoyable fixtures in the harbour sailing calendar.
Set on the tidal waters of Chichester Lake, the club enjoys a unique sailing environment with multiple course options shaped by wind direction and tide. This years event made full use of the setting, with sunshine, warm temperatures and steady breezes creating ideal conditions for sailors across all three fleets: Fast/Modern, Medium/Classic and Slow/Traditional.
Fast Fleet: A Tie at the Top
The Fast/Modern fleet produced one of the closest finishes in recent Dinghy Week history. After four days of handicap racing, Peter Harrison and Martin Orton were tied on points, forcing the result to be decided on countback. Harrisons narrow victory over Orton in their last headtohead race secured him the Brunt Challenge Trophy.
The top four places were dominated by Hadron H2 sailors, with Steve Kelsall taking third place thanks to a crucial race win that edged him ahead of Ian Farr, whose consistent podium finishes kept the pressure on throughout the week. A strong turnout of 2000s added depth to the fleet and produced lively battles, particularly on Saturday when perfect wind and a fast course allowed the asymmetric boats to stretch their legs and plane down the reaches.
Medium Fleet: GP14 Victory for the Colbournes
The Medium/Classic fleet saw excellent racing from a mixed group of Solos, Scorpions and GP14s, including a welcome contingent from neighbouring Dell Quay Sailing Club.
The standout performance came from Nick and Biddy Colbourne in their GP14, who delivered three race wins in the latter half of the week to secure the Barry Croomer Memorial Trophy. Mark Harper took second place in his Solo, including a wellearned win in Race 5 during the weeks trickiest wind conditions. Third place went to Bill Grose and Sally Contello in their Scorpion, finishing just ahead of Dell Quay visitor John Purdy.
At midweek, Ian Barnett looked a strong contender in his Solo, but was unable to compete in the final two days, ending in fifth overall.
Slow Fleet: Comet Consistency and Junior Success
The Slow/Traditional fleet enjoyed close racing in light airs early in the week and livelier conditions later on. Alan Bennett sailed his Comet with nearperfect consistency to win the Slow Fleet Trophy.
Second place went to Jenny Fletcher, sailing with daughters Izzy and Ellie in their Mirror, earning them the 122 Trophy for the bestplaced Mirror. Leslie Kelsall completed the podium in her Chichester Scow.
Dinghy Week also celebrates junior achievement, with several young sailors earning silverware:
- Anna Swain Eric Bransby Williams Trophy (Topper)
- Sarah Knight Optimist Trophy
- Charlotte Morrell Becky Pye Trophy (Youngest qualifying helm)
Pursuit Race Finale
The traditional 90minute pursuit race brought all fleets together for a tactical end to the week. With staggered start times based on PY numbers, the faster boats gradually worked their way through the fleet. Once again, Nick and Biddy Colbourne demonstrated their mastery of Chichesters tides and wind shifts, taking a welldeserved win.
A Week of Community and Celebration
Beyond the racing, Dinghy Week offered a full social programme. Competitors gathered in the club garden each evening to enjoy the sunset over the harbour, while Jonathans Quiz Night proved a highlight, complete with brainteasers and the everpopular grunting animal round.
The club extends its thanks to the many volunteers who made the week possible, with special recognition for Paula Olliff, who worked tirelessly each day to manage and publish race results.
Full Results can be found here.
Photo's from Dinghy Week can be found here.
