RS Elites at HISC - Come and Join Us For 2026

The RS Elite class was conceived by HISC members for Chichester Harbour and Hayling Bay back in 2003. The class has become known across the UK, Ireland and further a field. The home fleet took a very positive step in 2014, when a fresh collection of new owners became interested in the boats as their go to boat in home waters at HISC. 

There are many benefits of being involved in the fleet; great close racing in a strict, no nonsense, low budget and exhilarating boat, a pre-planned calendar of events including Pennant Series, Sprint racing and the immensely popular Thursday evening series, all with a great social programme which speaks to the inclusive nature of the class. The season concludes with a seven sunday, in harbour, series called Crabber’s Nip.

The 2025 Crabber’s Nip series went down to the wire, with the final race being won convincingly by Peter Copsey, 2nd Toby Strauss and 3rd David Nicholls. However, the overall series was won by Lite Blue, GBR 6, Adrian Ward, Sarah Ward and Tom Davidson.  2nd was Legs Eleven GBR 110, Paul Fisk, Pippa Jubb, Thomas Jubb and Montel Jordan. (Montel sails with Scaramouche Sailing Trust and was Young Sailor of the Year a few years ago).  3rd was Eclipse GBR44 Steve Fisher, Elliot Caldwell and Geoff Carveth. 

Following the last race the fleet tucked into a classic HISC carvery lunch, wine, beer, prizes and a short AGM to discuss plans. Outgoing Class Captain Nick Peters handed over to David Nicholls with much thanks to Nick for continuing the succession of great fleet captains.   

HISC boats travelled to a few away events, notably to the National Championship which was included in a superbly run Royal Thames 250th Anniversary Regatta based in Cowes. Interestingly, many HISC members were also there in race management mode under the leadership of club International Race Officer Tim Hancock, the PRO. 

The 2026 Nationals are at HISC from 10th - 13th June. Plans for this are well advanced and it looks like a great chance to do a Nationals at our home club. 

We also get our own start and race area in Federation Week (12th - 14th August - 6 race over 3 days). Not only is this a lovely traditional regatta week, but we enjoy excellent race management on a traffic free course. 

The fleet is capped at HISC to 23 boats, which is the logistical limit for our resources. As I write, there are a few spaces in the launch/mooring programme and some very well priced boats on the class website for sale. The spaces have been hard to get in the last few years, but owing to a few long time in the fleet retirements, now is a good time to get involved. Some boats are owned in syndicates, which for a three person boat with both Thursday and weekend racing makes a lot of sense. 

Until April 9th, when we get to race again, have a great winter.  Do consider joining us either as an owner or contact the fleet captain, now David Nicholls, to join our list of available crews and helms.

David Nicholls
RS Elite Captain