Sandy Shell 2024 at Hayling Island Sailing Club

Sandy Shell at HISC © Debbie Jarvis

Described as the unofficial RS200 Sprint Racing World Championship, the Sandy Shell is hosted annually by HISC. Originally a battle between boats from Hayling Island & Itchenor Sailing Clubs, the trophy is presented to the top team from either club.

This year's instalment saw 24 boats battle it out in 6 short, 20-minute races inside Chichester Harbour. The morning delivered sunshine, 12 knots and strong, spring tides.

It was key to win the biased end of the start line but work hard to get the early tack in before getting pinned to the fast-approaching lay lines. These lay lines were often hit after just a minute of sailing off the start. 2023's RS200 National Champions, Arran Holman & James Crossley, were the first to get in phase with the bandy pressure & flicking shifts; taking wins in the first 2 races. Tommy & Charlie Darling capitalised on the change in bias from port to starboard in the 3rd race, winning the committee boat end & leading the fleet into less tide. Later the breeze dropped down to 6-8 knots allowing light wind specialists, James & Jess Hammett, to win races 4 & 5 comfortably.

Sandy Shell at HISC - photo © Paul Hammett

Just one point separated the top three as they went into the final race, but the pressure seemed to affect the teams as they all rounded outside the top 5. Alex Sydenham helming for his dad had been steadily climbing the leaderboard, they took the final race win & bumped the Hammett's out of the podium spots.

The day was finished off with a games night for all sailors, hosted in HISC's main bar, with classic games such as; swing the hot dog, piggy bank and grab the banana.

Sandy Shell at HISC - photo © Cam Stewart

Thanks to the race team for flying through six great races in record time. The RS200 fleet at HISC will be revitalising their sprint racing calendar with the 'Snowy Sprint Series' this winter, making it a great time to join both the club and the class. Contact Jess Hammett at , if you would like to get involved.

Overall Results: