Club Dinghy Programme 2023 - A brief explanation of what's happening on the water during the year.

The following provides a brief outline of what the events on the dinghy sailing programme this year are all about. (The below does not form any part of the Notice of Race or Sailing Instructions for racing but is designed to give members an informal idea about what they are letting themselves in for.) These descriptions are meant to encourage and inspire you to get in your dinghy and get on the water. If you need any further information don't hesitate to contact sailingsec@mengeham.org.uk Below you will find information about the 2023 programme including details of:

1. Pre-season sailing
2. Harbour Marks Tours
3. Series Racing
4. Trophy Racing
5. Intro2racing
6. Open Events
7. Social Sailing

March
Pre-Season Sailing. 5th, 12th, 19th
Informal sessions for groups and/or fleets of boats to get on the water and follow their own agenda depending on their needs. A great opportunity for a "rust busting" sail or for some informal training for that early season event. Groups/fleets should liaise with the Sailing Secretary in respect of any support required. Fleet Captains may take on this role. There are no allocated duties to cover these sessions with the onus on groups/fleets to find crews for any club craft used in support. If making use of these sessions good planning is advised, as at this time of year some club assets may still be in maintenance and unavailable.

April
Harbour Marks Tour. 7th.
An opportunity to explore and navigate the beautiful Chichester Harbour with other club members, but without the pressure of competition. A guided and supported tour lead by an experienced member of the club with safety support. An opportunity to hire a club boat, try something new or just take the time to unwind on the water, assisted in navigating the harbour by the fixed yellow harbour marks. Tick them off when you've been there! A tour tailored to the experience of the group by the leader and designed to encourage and inspire as many dinghy sailing members to get on the water as possible.

Spring Series. 9th, 23rd
The Spring Series consists of 6 races held on 3 separate occasions in April and May. These races start and finish in the harbour and last about an hour each, depending on the conditions. They are held around large inflatable club marks, usually orange laid marks and/or around fixed harbour marks (yellow). Sometimes around a combination of the two. Club Notice of Race (NoR) and Sailing Instructions (SIs) apply to these races and these are available on the club website. The NoR and the SIs provide the information you need - do read them. There are Fast and Slow fleet starts and a race team consisting of club members runs the race and provides safety cover. The Fast fleets starts first, 5 minutes ahead of the Slow fleet. Courses for both fleets may be different and details of these courses are shown on the Committee Boat at the start line. If you just want to try racing there is no requirement to race the whole series or even complete both races on any one day. Racing is not a complicated as some think and there is plenty of advice available from club members or from the Sailing Secretary (sailingsec@mengeham.org.uk). You can race any dinghy, as within each fleet positions are calculated according to the handicap of individual boats. Racing is a great way to test your sailing skills. Times in the race programme designate the time of the first race.

"Easter Egg" Trophy Races. 10th
This is a "one-off" race and does not form part of a race series. It starts and finishes on the club-line so there's not so far to sail as for a harbour start. The race course will be around yellow fixed harbour marks, often combined with large, inflatable orange club marks. For these trophy races there will be three starts, Fast, Slow and Junior. The Fast fleet will start first followed 5 minutes later by the Slow Fleet. The Junior fleet will start 15 minutes after the Slow fleet giving Juniors space and time to launch. Racing is not a complicated as you think and there is plenty of advice available from club members or from the Sailing Secretary (sailingsec@mengeham.org.uk). You can race any dinghy, as within each fleet positions are calculated according to the handicap of individual boats. Racing is a great way to test your sailing skills. Club Notice of Race (NoR) and Sailing Instructions (SIs) apply to these races and these are available on the club website. The NoR and the SIs provide the information you need. A race team consisting of club members runs the race and provides safety cover. Times in the race programme designate the time of the first start.

The Early Bird Series consists of 5 races held on 5 separate occasions in May, July, August and September. These races start and finish on the club-line and last about an hour each, depending on the conditions. As the name suggests these races have a morning start. The race course will be around yellow fixed harbour marks, often combined with large, inflatable orange club marks. Club Notice of Race (NoR) and Sailing Instructions (SIs) apply to these races and these are available on the club website. The NoR and the SIs provide the information you need. There are Fast and Slow fleet starts and a race team consisting of club members runs the race and provides safety cover. The Fast fleets starts first, 5 minutes ahead of the Slow fleet. Courses for both fleets may be different and details of these courses are shown at the club before the start. If you just want to try racing there is no requirement to race the whole series. Racing is not a complicated as some think and there is plenty of advice available from club members or from the Sailing Secretary (sailingsec@mengeham.org.uk). You can race any dinghy, as within each fleet positions are calculated according to the handicap of individual boats. Racing is a great way to test your sailing skills. Times in the race programme designate the time of the first start. There is no long sail to the start line with the Early Bird Series and only one race on each occasion, so an ideal opportunity to give racing a go! A great opportunity to get out sailing before the harbour wakes up.

Intro2racing. 6th, 20th
There are 4 Intro2Racing Sessions organised throughout the season in May, July and September. These sessions are designed primarily for those who are new to racing whether Junior or Adult. Whilst all racers are welcome to the sessions the definite focus will be on those new to racing or with limited experience and who want to develop their skills and build confidence in a supportive environment. Sessions will be lead by an experienced club member and tailored to the needs of the participants. These sessions start from the club and you can sail any dinghy. Safety cover for the session is provided by club members. This is the best opportunity you will have to give racing a go if you haven't already!

Harbour Marks Tour. 7th, 27th
See April.

"Coronation" Trophy Races. 8th
This is a "one-off" race and does not form part of a race series. It starts and finishes on the club-line so there's not so far to sail as for a harbour start. The race course will be around yellow fixed harbour marks, often combined with large, inflatable orange club marks. For these trophy races there will be three starts, Fast, Slow and Junior. The Fast fleet will start first followed 5 minutes later by the Slow Fleet. The Junior fleet will start 15 minutes after the Slow fleet giving Juniors space and time to launch. Racing is not a complicated as some think and there is plenty of advice available from club members or from the Sailing Secretary (sailingsec@mengeham.org.uk). You can race any dinghy, as within each fleet positions are calculated according to the handicap of individual boats. Racing is a great way to test your sailing skills. Club Notice of Race (NoR) and Sailing Instructions (SIs) apply to these races and these are available on the club website. The NoR and the SIs provide the information you need. A race team consisting of club members runs the race and provides safety cover. Times in the race programme designate the time of the first start.

Finn Series. 21st
The Finn Series consists of 6 races held on 2 separate occasions in May and August. These races start and finish in the harbour and last about an hour each, depending on the conditions. They are held around large inflatable club marks, usually orange laid marks and/or around fixed harbour marks (yellow). Sometimes around a combination of the two. Club Notice of Race (NoR) and Sailing Instructions (SIs) apply to these races and these are available on the club website. The NoR and the SIs provide the information you need. These races are for Finn dinghies only. A race team of club members runs the race and provides safety cover. Courses are shown on the Committee Boat at the start line. If you just want to try racing your Finn there is no requirement to race the whole series or even complete all races on any one day. Racing is not a complicated as some think and there is plenty of advice available from club members or from the Sailing Secretary (sailingsec@mengeham.org.uk). Racing is a great way to test your sailing skills. Times in the race programme designate the time of the first race.

Evening Points. 31st
The Evening Points Series consists of 4 races held on 4 separate occasions in May, June and July. These races start and finish on the club-line and last about an hour each, depending on the conditions. As the name suggests these races have a evening start. The race course will be around yellow fixed harbour marks, often combined with large, inflatable orange club marks. Club Notice of Race (NoR) and Sailing Instructions (SIs) apply to these races and these are available on the club website. The NoR and the SIs provide the information you need. There are Fast and Slow fleet starts and a race team consisting of club members runs the race and provides safety cover. The Fast fleets starts first, 5 minutes ahead of the Slow fleet. Courses for both fleets may be different and details of these courses are shown at the club before the start. If you just want to try racing there is no requirement to race the whole series. Racing is not a complicated as some think and there is plenty of advice available from club members or from the Sailing Secretary (sailingsec@mengeham.org.uk). You can race any dinghy, as within each fleet positions are calculated according to the handicap of individual boats. Racing is a great way to test your sailing skills. Times in the race programme designate the time of the first start. There is no long sail to the start line with the Evening Points Series and only one race on each occasion, so an ideal opportunity to give racing a go! A great opportunity to get out sailing when the harbour is a little quieter.

June
Rowan's Charity Race. 4th
This is the first open event of the season. This means that sailors from other clubs can enter and it is usually well supported. There is a separate NoR and set of SIs for this event and a suggested entry donation. These documents are available on the club website and are updated every year. Proceeds from this event are donated to Rowans Hospice in Waterlooville. (www.rowanshospice.co.uk) The club has a long association with this worthwhile charity and activities surrounding the race also contribute to the fundraising effort. Please support this event even if you are not a normal racer. The race starts and finishes in the harbour and is open to all classes of dinghy. The race takes place around inflatable club marks and is run and supported by a club race team. Prizegiving is held in the clubhouse after the event. A great opportunity to socialise with your fellow competitors. Open events are a great opportunity for us to showcase our club.

Evening Points. 14th, 28th
See May

Finn Open - Southern Championships. 17th, 18th
This is the second open event of the season. This means that sailors from other clubs can enter and it is usually well supported. This event is for Finn dinghies only. There is a separate NoR and set of SIs for this event and an entry fee. Those entering should be members of The British Finn Association. All documents are available on the club website. The races usually start and finish in the bay. There are multiple races on each day of this two day event and racing takes place around inflatable club marks and is run and supported by a club race team. Prizegiving is held in the clubhouse after the event. A great opportunity to socialise with your fellow competitors. Open events, such as this, require a great deal of commitment and organisation on behalf of our members and those visiting us are always grateful for our efforts. We also get to show everyone what is great about MRSC.

Summer Series. 25th
The Summer Series consists of 8 races held on 4 separate occasions in June, July, August and September. These races start and finish in the harbour and last about an hour each, depending on the conditions. They are held around large inflatable club marks, usually orange laid marks and/or around fixed harbour marks (yellow). Sometimes around a combination of the two. Club Notice of Race (NoR) and Sailing Instructions (SIs) apply to these races and these are available on the club website. the NoR and the SIs provide the information you need. There are Fast and Slow fleet starts and a race team consisting of club members runs the race and provides safety cover. The Fast fleets starts first, 5 minutes ahead of the Slow fleet. Courses for both fleets may be different and details of these courses are shown on the Committee Boat at the start line. If you just want to try racing there is no requirement to race the whole series or even complete both races on any one day. Racing is not a complicated as you think and there is plenty of advice available from club members or from the Sailing Secretary (sailingsec@mengeham.org.uk). You can race any dinghy, as within each fleet positions are calculated according to the handicap of individual boats. Racing is a great way to test your sailing skills. Times in the race programme designate the time of the first race.

July
Early Bird Series. 2nd, 30th
See May

Intro2racing. 8th
See May

Slow and Junior Fleet Trophy Races. 9th
This is a "one-off" race and does not form part of a race series. It starts and finishes on the club-line so there's not so far to sail as for a harbour start. The race course will be around yellow fixed harbour marks, often combined with large, inflatable orange club marks. For these trophy races there will be two starts, Slow and Junior. The Junior fleet will start 15 minutes after the Slow fleet giving Juniors space and time to launch. Racing is not a complicated as some think and there is plenty of advice available from club members or from the Sailing Secretary (sailingsec@mengeham.org.uk). You can race any dinghy, as within each fleet positions are calculated according to the handicap of individual boats. Racing is a great way to test your sailing skills. Club Notice of Race (NoR) and Sailing Instructions (SIs) apply to these races and these are available on the club website. The NoR and the SIs provide the information you need. A race team consisting of club members runs the race and provides safety cover. Times in the race programme designate the time of the first start.

Evening Points. 12th
See May

Harbour Marks Tour. 15th
See April.

MRSC Regatta. 16th
This is the third open event of the season. Most sailing clubs within the harbour hold their own regattas. This means that sailors from other clubs can enter and events are usually well supported. This event is for all types of dinghies starting in a number of fleets. Handicap systems operate within most fleets. There is a separate NoR and set of SIs for this event and an entry fee. All documents are available on the club website. Racing takes place around inflatable club marks and is run and supported by a club race team. Prizegiving is held in the clubhouse after the event. A great opportunity to socialise with your fellow competitors. Open events, such as this, require a great deal of commitment and organisation on behalf of our members and those visiting us are always grateful for our efforts. We also get to show everyone what is great about MRSC.

Summer Series. 23rd
See June

August
Finn Series. 5th
See May

Fast, Slow, Junior Fleet Trophy Races. 6th
See May - "Coronation Trophy" Races

Reserve date/Adult sailing. 12th, 13th.
These dates are set aside to use in the event of the cancellation of prior events due to inclement weather. In the event of their non-use they are available for adult sailing. Details to be published later in the season. Suggestions to sailingsec@mengeham.org.uk

Harbour Marks Tour. 19th
See April.

Summer Series. 20th
See June

Social Sail/Paddle to East Head. 26th
Details to be published. A social, supported excursion with the possibility of a barbecue on East Head! A great day out - depending on the weather!

Early Bird Series. 28th
See May

September
Solo Open. 2nd
This is the fourth open event of the season. This means that sailors from other clubs can enter and it is usually well supported. This event is for Solo dinghies only. There is a separate NoR and set of SIs for this event and an entry fee. All documents are available on the club website. The races usually start and finish in the harbour. There are multiple races and racing takes place around inflatable club marks and is run and supported by a club race team. Prizegiving is held in the clubhouse after the event. A great opportunity to socialise with your fellow competitors. Open events, such as this, require a great deal of commitment and organisation on behalf of our members and those visiting us are always grateful for our efforts. We also get to show everyone what is great about MRSC.

Summer Series. 3rd
See June

Early Bird Series. 10th
See May

"Bart's Bash" Trophy Races. 8th
This is a "one-off" race and does not form part of a race series. It is suggested that sailors make a donation upon entry to The Andrew Simpson Foundation. (www.andrewsimpsoncentres.org) The race starts and finishes on the club-line so there's not so far to sail as for a harbour start. The race course will be around yellow fixed harbour marks, often combined with large, inflatable orange club marks. Details of the course are available before the start. For these trophy races there will be three starts, Fast, Slow and Junior. The Fast fleet will start first followed 5 minutes later by the Slow Fleet. The Junior fleet will start 15 minutes after the Slow fleet giving Juniors space and time to launch. Racing is not a complicated as many think and there is plenty of advice available from club members or from the Sailing Secretary (sailingsec@mengeham.org.uk). This is a fun race for charity! Give it a go even if racing is not usually your thing! You can race any dinghy, as within each fleet positions are calculated according to the handicap of individual boats. Racing is a great way to test your sailing skills. Club Notice of Race (NoR) and Sailing Instructions (SIs) apply to these races and these are available on the club website. The NoR and the SIs provide the information you need. A race team consisting of club members runs the race and provides safety cover. Times in the race programme designate the time of the first start. This truly is a race that's not all about winning!

Intro2racing. 30th
See May

October
Autumn Series. 1st, 29th
The Autumn Series consists of 4 races held on 2 separate occasions in October. These races start and finish in the harbour and last about an hour each, depending on the conditions. They are held around large inflatable club marks, usually orange laid marks and/or around fixed harbour marks (yellow). Sometimes around a combination of the two. Club Notice of Race (NoR) and Sailing Instructions (SIs) apply to these races and these are available on the club website. the NoR and the SIs provide the information you need. There are Fast and Slow fleet starts and a race team consisting of club members runs the race and provides safety cover. The Fast fleets starts first, 5 minutes ahead of the Slow fleet. Courses for both fleets may be different and details of these courses are shown on the Committee Boat at the start line. If you just want to try racing there is no requirement to race the whole series or even complete both races on any one day. Racing is not a complicated as somed think and there is plenty of advice available from club members or from the Sailing Secretary (sailingsec@mengeham.org.uk). You can race any dinghy, as within each fleet positions are calculated according to the handicap of individual boats. Racing is a great way to test your sailing skills. Times in the race programme designate the time of the first race.

Fast, Slow, Junior Fleet Trophy Races. 21st
See May - "Coronation" Trophy Races

Frostbite Series. 12th, 19th, 26th
The Frostbite Series consists of 5 races held on 5 separate occasions in November and December. These races start and finish on the club-line and last about an hour each, depending on the conditions. As the name suggests these races have a start later in the season. The race course will be around yellow fixed harbour marks, often combined with large, inflatable orange club marks. Club Notice of Race (NoR) and Sailing Instructions (SIs) apply to these races and these are available on the club website. The NoR and the SIs provide the information you need. There are Fast and Slow fleet starts and a race team consisting of club members runs the race and provides safety cover. The Fast fleets starts first, 5 minutes ahead of the Slow fleet. Courses for both fleets may be different and details of these courses are shown at the club before the start. If you just want to try racing there is no requirement to race the whole series. Racing is not a complicated as some think and there is plenty of advice available from club members or from the Sailing Secretary (sailingsec@mengeham.org.uk). You can race any dinghy, as within each fleet positions are calculated according to the handicap of individual boats. Racing is a great way to test your sailing skills. Times in the race programme designate the time of the first start. There is no long sail to the start line with the Frostbite Series and only one race on each occasion, so an ideal opportunity to give racing a go! A great opportunity to get out sailing when the harbour is a little quieter towards the end of the year.

December
Frostbite Series. 2nd, 16th
See November

Winkle of the Harbour. 31st
This is the last open event of the season. This means that sailors from other clubs can enter and it is usually well supported. This event is for all dinghies with a handicap system in operation. There is a separate NoR and set of SIs for this event and an entry fee. All documents are available on the club website. The races start and finish in the harbour. Racing takes place around inflatable club marks and is run and supported by a club race team. Prizegiving is held in the clubhouse after the event. A great opportunity to socialise with your fellow competitors. Open events, such as this, require a great deal of commitment and organisation on behalf of our members, particularly in the festive season, and those visiting us are always grateful for our efforts. We also get to show everyone what is great about MRSC as the year draws to a close.