The Chichester Scows remain a thriving class at BSC and we have gained four new owners who will at some time over the season race with us in our one design racing - The only one design racing in the club.  Other classes tend to race in the handicap series but I am sure individually that they race against each other!  The regular racers number about 18, although 15 is nearer the maximum on the water at one time, with another half dozen also competing from time to time.

We race almost every other weekend around the high tides.  We have a spring, summer and autumn series plus ‘sunset, scowset’ series on some Friday evenings.  This year our ‘Nationals’ are on June 30 and July 1 (2 day event) and we also enter the BSC and Itchenor Regattas and West Wittering Challenge.

Not everyone wishes to race and some of us are happier pottering around this beautiful creek and harbour of ours.  To encourage scowers to have fun together we have three weekend jollies (weather permitting), East Head, Chichester Yacht Club and Furze Creek.  Peter Sweet also organises sailing during the week on a number of days where the tide is convenient.  The weather does not always comply but when it does those that turn up have a very pleasant time with a drink in the bar afterwards (providing we finish at bar opening times). 

2011 saw an innovative interclub challenge hosted by Lymington SC, which planned for 4 participants from each of the invited clubs, including BSC, being provided with a Lymington Scow to race but the weather was unfortunately most unfavourable. Hopefully in 2012 conditions allow this to take place.

We aim to offer good sailing with a lot of fun and support for those new to this sport. Scows are simple to rig and easy to handle and only capsize on infrequent occasions.  They will take two people but with their single sail are mainly for helms on their own.

A jib can be attached if small children are taken out so that they have something to keep them busy!

Gale force winds during 3 day week 2011 saw the advent of the reefed Scow as the winner. Since then tips on reefing have been discussed and demonstrated and the winter series saw a spectacular sight, viewed by a rather damp un-reefed helm, of a fleet of reefed scows planing passed the Raptackle in complete control.  If only the damp helm had her reefing lines in the boat or else a camera!

The BSC Red Book contains all the racing and weekend social sailing dates however do get in touch with me Judy Roberts if there is anything you want to know about the Chichester Scows.