Classics
"Yachts of a design that would have seemed familiar to spectators of Chichester Harbour races during the years up to the 1950's having no sheltered accommodation and having pivoting centreplates. Being more heavily built than a dinghy, such boats must be capable of being left on an open mooring"
Classic Dayboat (CDB) racing at Bosham started over 40 years ago with a small group of wooden boats. Originally the boats were of a design predating 1950, numbered just seven boats, racing five times a year. From that modest beginning Bosham CDBs has grown into three fleets with regular Saturday high tide racing throughout the season. The CDB fleets are dayboats rather than racing dinghies and of designs that were seen sailing 50 or more years ago together with their more modern but traditionally designed equivalents. They must be less than 20 feet overall, have a centreboard rather than a fixed keel and would have been seen riding to a mooring.
Certain fleets within Bosham CDBs race with a personal handicap, other fleets race under a standard club devised handicap, updated annually. The ethos of the fleet is that racing is always to be undertaken in a Corinthian spirit of sportsmanship and good manners. Whilst observing the racing rules the expectation is that the events should be fun and enjoyable for all participants. Protests are discouraged and any disagreements are expected to be resolved amicably in the bar after racing.
In addition to the CDB series programme all boats are encouraged to take part in the Itchenor and Bosham Regattas, the Bosham Masters 3 day event, long distance race, pursuit races and indeed any of the BSC racing.
The class hosts a summer event and a Prizegiving Dinner and prizegiving in November.
Nigel Russell and Tim Wilcock are captains of the Classic Dayboat fleet.
They can be contacted here: CDB Class Captain
Last updated 13:56 on 20 December 2025
