Sussex Regatta Development

[Steve Vyse]

It is interesting that discussion has move slightly away from "do we want to move the event each year" to how do we over come the problem of accommodating it at Brighton.

Are we saying that the idea of basing the event at one venue has merit?

As a member of the steering committeeyou will forgive me for trying to remain neutral on this subject?

I was really looking forwards to racing off Brighton this year and the arrangement  moving the event to SHYC was a dissapointment (only my personal view of course). Tidal restrictions made the feeder race a no-go and as you know we bailed out of the last race to get through the Shoreham lock with a day of the holiday to spend with our families. Tidal issues are likley to always make SHYC a problem for both Shoreham and Litlehampton boats.

With the locks, lack of moorings and SYC's split location Shoreham has its own problems, so for me Brighton has to be the top choice and I certainly wouldn't bitch if it always went there - after all Brighton is our 'capital city'.

Steve V

[robin]

Clearly the suggestion has merits, Robin.

The concern is that these would be outweighed by the disadvantages - primarily that the regatta to date has enjoyed entries from three disparate clubs.

Sorry to bang on with what is looking like a tired theme, but i remain convinced by everything i have read that the organisational structure is more important than the actual location.

 

[Robin Stevenson]

Keep banging on Robin.  After all that is excactly what this forum is for

[jan.thirkettle@zoom.co.uk]

Robin,
As another small boat owner, the access benefits of rotation is a real plus, but I absolutely uderstand the organisational innefficiencies associated with that. Purely selfishly, rotation, or permenantly at Brighton would get my vote.

Jan
(Olivia Anne VI)

[Robin Stevenson]

Thanks Jan.  It is interesting that from this debate we seem to rate access to the event and the racing area so highly, socials are important but not as important as the racing itself...hmmm.  I think that is a good thing.

Interesting this, as I once sailed Mojo all the way to Cork to do Cork Week, where the socials are legendary!!  We are odd folk us yacht racers

[djskinner]

We didnt do the Sussex Regatta this year as like many others out and back takes time and crew were hard to find.So OK some go to Cork for a race !?!Having been in on the initial discussions to restart this combined event from the old Sussex Offshore Racing Group I have strong views about rotating the venue.In my opinion that should remain although we are all aware how difficult it is to run from Arun.As far as SYC are concerned I take the points on locks and split locations.We have the support of the SPA and Community Transport can be arranged.Why not have more Social Events at Southwick? If only we could get on with developing more bays.It will happen one day.I hope I live to see it.Surely in the meantime La Cala could be talked into providing a Marquee-its a no before we ask.A joint Committee to ensure continuity should remain and a grateful thanks to all of them.How about seeking a major Sponsor so that once again we could enjoy fireworks-I love fireworks-at our Ball.

[robin]

Robin commented:

Interesting this, as I once sailed Mojo all the way to Cork to do Cork Week, where the socials are legendary!!  We are odd folk us yacht racers

It seems a perfectly rational navigational decision to me.

[Robin Stevenson]

It did to me...until I realised the true extent of what I was doing!!  Memorable though!