Within the beautiful surrounding of Chichester harbour on the UK's south coast in August every year is held one of the UK's largest dinghy & keel boat regattas which attracts around 400 boats annually.  Hosted by Hayling Island Sailing Club & delivered by the continuously committed teams provided by Chichester Harbour Federation for the past 85 years it is an event anyone can now be a part of

'Federation week' is an example of what can be achieved by like minded organisations coming together with a common goal. The Federation is made up of around 10 sailing clubs within the harbour & representatives from various other marinas, the conservancy & harbour authority.
 RYA Sailability are continuously looking to forge partnerships that can deliver the inclusive sailing message & opportunities for its sailors throughout the sailing world & striving to find organisations to assist in delivering this on the ground.

The coming together with the Even Keel Project who's aims are to break the barriers between ability & disability have enabled a ground spectacle of sailing to take to the water during the fantastic Federation week. For the first time in the events history a disabled class has had access to this main stream able bodied regatta

Sailability engaged the services of the Even keel project to provide 5 Artemis 20 racing Keel boats to enter the regatta with sailors representing 5 different Sailability sites throughout the UK. Working with Chichester Harbour Federation & Sailability, Even Keel provided the Artemis 20 fleet & racing off the same start line as the Elite Keelboat became a reality, mixing it up  amongst the 350 other boats with classes such as the foiling moth, 49er, international 14 & flying 15 was a sight to see

For the sailors competing a horizon filled with mainstream boats & a start line with the same created a much different experience for all on the water. Moving through fleets of able bodied boats such as the foiling international moths & RS 800's was a defining moment in the search for acceptance for disability sport & inspiring the able bodied sailors to recognise the ability of the Sailability teams within this environment proving given the correct equipment & forward thinking attitudes everyone can get on the water together

The great British summer gave a mixed bag of conditions for the week on the water with the first day delivering fresh 20+ knot breeze to welcome all to the regatta, with the sailability teams giving the Artemis 20's a good shakedown & learning the tricks of Chichester Harbour.
Day 2 provided a different set of conditions with very little breeze arriving until late & courses shortened for all classes, the trend was set for the week with Craig Rose for Cowes taking the honours as was the case on day 1
Day 3 made up for the lack of wind previously with gusts of 27+ knots passing through the harbour from the North East, with 350 other boats on the water the sight of boats turning over everywhere, broken masts & Rib's towing tangled dinghies was an experience for all & the Artemis 20 teams had there own adventures with everyone ashore in the evening talking about 'survival mode' but the excitement in being a part of it was the lasting impression
Day 4 saw the weather return to something resembling summer & another stiff breeze to contend with, places were changing continuously throughout the race for all but 1 team. Craig Rose & Pete McCoy had it in the bag & were crowned RYA Sailability Federation Week champions & Craig also took home the Even Keel Challenge trophy which was raced for on the last day, keeping hold of his title for the second year