South Central England (inc. Chichester) Fleets
The Coastal waters from Selsey Bill to the Isle of Purbeck, include Poole Harbour, Christchurch, The Solent Ports from Keyhaven to Portmouth and the Isle of Wight, with Langstone Harbour and Chichester Harbour in the East; all of it wonderful sailing water. With the possible exception of Portsmouth and Southampton the rest can be considered to be a leisure sailing areas offering both Racing and Cruising opportunity for Devon Yawl owners.
Whilst there are a number of Devon Yawls scattered throughout the many Sailing Clubs in this area the best sheltered sailing is found in Poole including Studland Bay, or at the eastern end within Chichester Harbour.
Chichester Harbour is designated an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) and offers perhaps the best choice for owners who live in the South London commuter areas. Moorings are sought after but available once you have made a decision as to where you might wish to be. This large Harbour has Sailing Clubs in each of the 5 main ‘arms’ of water.
Bosham SC have the biggest concentration of Devon Yawls, and are a warm welcoming Club with a Classic Day Boat fleet, which incorporates our class. This fleet is the biggest in the whole harbour and races on a personal handicap system. There are eleven DY’s within the Club currently and at least five race regularly. Weekend racing includes Classic Fleet racing on Saturdays, and points racing on Sundays that cover all handicap classes. Being tidal with arrange of up to 5 Meters sailing is interesting and challenging. The various channels of water in Chichester offer good cruising and Picnic opportunities.
The Isle of Wight is six miles from the Harbour entrance for a more extended weekend sail to Bembridge, Seaview and Wooton Creek.
There are smaller groups of Yawls around the Harbour, located at Dell Quay, Thorney Island, Emsworth and Snowhill Creek.
Bosham S.C. holds an Annual Classic Revival weekend and visiting Yawls are welcome to race together with ‘Boats that would have been seen racing in the Chichester Harbour 60 years ago’.
All Chichester Clubs operate within the umbrella of Chichester Harbour Federation, whose website will provide most of the answers you may need.