Bough Beech Sailing Club’s Handicap Class encompasses all mono hull, non-foiling dinghies up to 20 feet overall length, Optimist to Flying Dutchman. From this fleet many of the clubs adopted classes have grown. This is encouraged by offering class starts to classes who regularly start in club handicap races with six or more boats. An opportunity for an open meeting is also offered. Two 45 minute series races are held on Sunday morning alongside the class starts and there is an ‘all in’ 60 minute handicap series race in the afternoon.
The Average Lap handicap system is used for the club handicap series and ‘all in’ club trophy races, whilst pursuit races are used for some of the ‘fun’ races. Club Series run for two months, the most keenly contested being the Jan – Feb open Icicle, attracting a mixture of 50 – 70 home and visiting boats which start either on the asymmetric or conventional start.
The summer Thursday evening series is also very popular and not always a drifter! Racing is encouraged as it is the best way to improve skills and to meet other club members.
Cruising members are of course welcome and the club runs a summer cruising week in Chichester Harbour particularly suitable for pottering from pub to ice cream van to beach, what more could you want?
Whichever dinghy you have do come and say hello and perhaps have a test sail. The Handicap Class is represented on the Sailing Committee and members views and ideas are welcome.