(24/10/23 - At the PSUK Sailing Section AGM today, dates for next year's PSUK Dinghy Championships at Shustoke were confirmed  -  Wednesday/Thursday, 12th-13th June, 2024 hosted by West Midlands Police)

PSUK National Dinghy Sailing Championships 2023

Held 14-15th June, 2023

at Shustoke Sailing Club

Page update: 19/09/23 - Race results, "Pictures of the Event" plus Video.. plus Report..

On 14th and 15th June 2023, Northamptonshire Police hosted 24 competitors representing 8 different police forces from across the UK. Avon & Somerset and the Met both with 6 entries each, providing the highest numbers.

Visitors began to arrive on the Tuesday evening prior to the event and were treated to the best fish & chips that local Coleshill village could provide and a fully stocked Shustoke Sailing Club bar was enjoyed. Pre-event socialising was sustained well into the early hours with the Met and ex-Met contingent leading the way.

Day 1 of racing dawned and with a moderate breeze and beautiful sunshine, reigning champion Nigel Tinkler took two bullets and previous champion Simon Hawkes took the other. Ian Ingram who was absent from the first race due to work commitments, arrived in good time for the second race and secured two 3rd’s which catapulted him immediately into contention.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner all provided from the galley at Shustoke went down well and were washed down with the aforementioned fully stocked bar standing up well to the test but showing signs of depletion by the time the 2am club called it a day. Nearly all competitors camped at the club in either vans or tents. There was also one mystery who camped on the club sofa, remaining unidentified to this day. That shall remain one of life’s mysteries.

Weary heads woke to yet more stunning weather but distinctly less wind and as shifty as ever. Nevertheless, breakfast was plentiful and everyone was in good humour. Competitors took to the water and the lighter winds brought Ian Ingram to the fore, taking both races.

The event came to a close with a prize giving hosted by the club’s Commodore and thanks to all the volunteers from Shustoke SC, without whom the event could not have run.

Racing throughout the fleet was competitive, exciting, and most of all, fun.

The camaraderie of all those that were present was clear to see and a pleasure to be a part of. On both days of racing we were honoured to be joined by Dick Sivers who is not only a retired Northants officer but a stalwart of the police sailing scene and to this day takes an active part in police sailing by maintaining the police sailing website and supporting our endeavours.

Shustoke SC were delighted to host this event and proud to have been a part of keeping this PSUK event going. During the evening social after the first day's racing, it was voted on unanimously to return to Shustoke next year. Watch this space for dates!

H.R.
 

Organisers/Contact:
Olly Saunders
Email: Oliver.Saunders@northants.police.uk

Harvey Rose
Email: harvey.rose@westmidlands.police.uk

Previous regattas:-

2022

2021

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010