Sussex Combined Clubs Regatta 2022

 The Sussex Combined Clubs Regatta was back with a blast in 2022. The Sussex Regatta is an annual yacht racing regatta run by a committee of the Sussex Combined Clubs.

The location varies from year to year, with responsibility for hosting rotating between the three main organising clubs, BMYC, SYC and SHYC. After a two-year gap due to the Covid pandemic, the Sussex Regatta was hosted by the Sussex Yacht Club. This year the event was even bigger to mark the opening of the new Sussex Yacht Club building. In addition to the racing regatta, there were a variety of other events as part of the Festival of the Water.

6 races across two days of were delivered in what were sporting but at times challenging conditions. Saturday brought F5 conditions, wind gusting from 18-25kts from the SW and a strong sea state. Sunday was lighter to begin with in 16-20kts but built through the afternoon. But it was often bright and sunny which made the days more fun. The turnout for the racing fleet was strong with 9 boats in IRC, 8 in NHC and a stand-alone single Pursuit race on the Saturday attracting 7 entries. With a great mix of local and visiting boats.

Overall winner of IRC was SYC boat Upstart, a J92S, skippered by Robin Stevenson. Notable mention in IRC must go to Robert Styles Sunfast 3200 Diamonds4ever as unable to race on day one, on day 2 took two wins and a 3rd. In NHC the SYC Sonar fleet took the top 3 positions, overall winner being SYC Commodore Kevin Headon and his crew on Krack-on (despite being OCS on the last race of the day!). Congratulations to the 3rd for the SYC Women's Team on Poppy. Lauren Willis and her crew building up to their main focus of Cowes Week for 2022. The Saturday Pursuit, which did not count for the overall regatta result, went to Miles Mayall and his crew on Zebedee.

Full results available at thesussexregatta.uk

With thanks to all the volunteers that made this event to come together, too many to mention but notably Race Officer Paisley Thomson and the crew of BMYC's committee boat Admiral Jack. The SYC rib section providing mark laying services. Warwick Pics for on water event coverage. And all the volunteers, club officers and others of SYC that made the onshore events a success. SYC Yacht Racing section specifically thanks all visiting skippers and crews for their attendance to the event. Thanks also to sponsors North Sails and Musto who kindly provided a number of prizes for competitors.

Next year the regatta moves to Brighton to be hosted from BMYC.