FED Week polos, jumpers and other gear will be available at HISC - on the balcony.

Photos of FED Week sailing action can be obtained from Peter Newton, just tell him your sail number to see if he captured that great moment - call on 01743-861207.

In addition each evening of the week one of the local clubs will host the evening social programme. Monday - Live music at HISC. Tuesday - "At Home" at ESSC. Wednesday - Barbecued Delights at MRSC. Thursday - Competitiors' Disco at HISC. Friday - "At Home" at LSC.

FED WEEK Report - Final

Chichester Harbour Federation Week took place at Hayling Island SC between the 16 and 20 August and once again a record number of entries were received. 450 boats took part in the five days of racing, involving around 800 competitors and many support boats, race officials and scoring teams. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate and two days of racing were lost for most of the classes when gale force winds hit the event.

FED Week opened with an ideal force 4 to get the event off to a perfect start. Racing in Series 1 was the "Foiler" International Moth of Simon Payne, the new European Champion. His speed over the water, with most of his hull out it, meant he crossed the finish line almost half an hour ahead of the leading International Canoe, sailed by Gareth Caldwell (Blithfield SC).

A number of new classes were racing at this years event, the RS700 single hander, the new HISC keelboat the Elite and a new junior class the RS Feva, all were well supported.

Tuesday was another excellent day, with the wind easing to force 3 and the rain passing through early. This provide fine racing conditions with the large fleet of Optimists particularly enjoying themselves, Alex Mothersele (Emsworth Slipper SC) winning both of the days races.

Wednesday it was all-change as strong winds hit during the night, one competitor's RS300 dinghy being blown across the harbour and washed up on Thorney Island. Winds increasing to gusts in excess of 35 knots, gave the Race Officers little choice but to cancel racing for the day.

With a continuous strong south westerly wind climbing to force 6 on Thursday and gusting up to 35 knots only the keelboat classes, the Flying Fifteens and new RS Elite, were allowed afloat in Series 1. A special course to keep the boats away from the choppy water on the Winner Sandbank, and provide an exhilarating broad reach across the harbour between 'Freddie Brooks and East Head' was set.

Eleven Fying 15s ventured out and it soon became a three boat race with Mark Wood and Andrew Streeter (HISC), taking the gun after an incident filled race. Six Elites made an ideal start along the line but after one lap the fleet were halved with an increased wind of 30 knots. Mike Dawe No6, was leading until disaster struck on the broad reach with his mast tumbling down, leaving Richard Cuties No5, and Mike Tong No1, to successfully cross the finish line.

After two days with all but three of the twenty fleets held ashore by the strong winds, the Race Officers were determined to ensure that the majority of the record 450 competing boats had their third race to complete a proper series. With the forecast showing the wind was to moderate and swing westerly, racing was postponed for an hour, eventually allowing all the classes to sail in ideal conditions.

So ended another FED Week, an event which continues to bring dinghy sailors, of all ages and skill levels, to Hayling to compete on one of the best harbour sailing areas in the country. The many sailing clubs of Chichester Harbour combine to provide the support infrastructure needed to make such an event work smoothly year after year. The success of their dedication and hardwork is shown in the increasing numbers attracted to the event. - GN

FED WEEK Report Monday
FED WEEK Report Tuesday
FED WEEK Report Wednesday
FED WEEK Report Thursday
FED WEEK Report Friday

Results Updated as available each day

Daily results Series 1: Fast Asymmetric Handicap 899 & below RS700 Medium Asymmetric Handicap 900 - 1009 RS400 Fast Handicap 1035 & Below International Flying Fifteen International Finn RS200 RS Elite

Daily Results Series 2: International Laser Laser 2000 Wayfarer Yoeman / Kinsman Medium Handicap 1036 - 1175 Laser Radial Laser 4.7 Solo RS Feva Daily results Series 3: International Topper Slow Handicap 1176 - 1449 International Optimist

FED Week Race Programme