Watch the Route
Here's a video replay of the sail, captured on Relive:
After a final check of the wind, tides, and forecast, decision made: Go for the RIOT Round the Island on One Tide.
With Langstone Sailing Club's unique location at the head of the harbour, and slipways on both sides of the road bridge giving access to both Chichester and Langstone harbours, the logistics are simple. One final choice to make: with a touch of east in the wind, best to go clockwise so cross the road and launch into Chichester Harbour
The Sail Begins
The first leg heads east and then turns south, against both the wind and the tide. So plenty of zigzagging up the side of the channel, surrounded by fellow sailors, rowers, paddlers, and motor boats including Mark from LSC in his home-built Stornoway. No seals this time (tide too high), but plenty of birds swirling around for company.
Mixing with the racing fleets adds a bit of buzz before pulling up on the beach at Sandy Point, amongst the trolleys of Hayling Island Sailing Club. Quick hello with LSC member Edwin, who's instructing at HISC, before heading back on the water.
Once through the harbour entrance, its difficult to turn back agains the ebbing tide. Committed to the circumnavigation now!
Down the Seafront, back into the harbour
A delightful broad reach down the seafront with the spinnaker up and a few waves to catch, leads to a moment of worry as the wind starts to fade approaching the Langstone Harbour entrance... but once engaged the wind comes back enough to punch through against the tide.
Once inside the harbour, the wind keeps building and boat speed hits 17 km/h while passing the fleet from the Lock's SC regatta. The spinnaker finally comes down (reluctantly) to stay upright and finish the long leg above up the harbour in parallel with Frank and Kate from LSC, returning from the Lock's regatta. Three and a half hours after launch, once again on LSC slipway a little more tanned, a large smile, and an enormous sense of satisfaction in having completing the challenge. Job done!
Want to Try the RIOT?
Although the circumnavigation can be done independently with some planning and preparation, Langstone SC has the event supported by a safety boat, in the calendar coming up on the 25th August. , open to club members.
This is a brilliant opportunity to take on one of the most scenic and satisfying sails on our local waters with full support.
Look out for more info, booking form on the website, and we hope to see you there!
