It felt like Summer had arrived for Horning Sailing Club’s activities last weekend, with a Down river race and junior racing at the Clubhouse. A strong turnout was expected on Sunday morning for the Down river race to Thurne, with the River Cruiser Class’s Crystal Ball Trophy to be awarded. The number of competitors did not disappoint, with six river cruisers and a mixed fleet of eleven more. With blue skies and a gentle breeze, the start was from Woods Dyke and, as the fleet gathered, it made an impressive sight. First away were the Cruisers, with Steve Burton sailing Wandering Rose caught up in the fleet and over the line, before getting away. Peter Goshawk sailing Grayling came from behind to overtake the whole fleet before the first bend. It would be Grayling that would eventually make it to Thurne first, winning the Crystal Ball Trophy overall on handicap, ahead of Wandering Rose, with George Brewis’s Amantani third. Some five Yeoman, two Yare & Bures, three Rebels and a mini keelboat also participated. First on the downward leg amongst this fleet was Yare & Bure Painted Jezebel, helmed by Simon Means, with Rebel Maid helmed by Kevin Edwards second. Third was Jeremy Tusting’s Yare & Bure Brimstone.
During the course of the day the breeze picked up to provide an exciting start for the return leg. On handicap, the Cruisers were won by Sally Dugdale’s Jessie May, with Phil Montague’s Pickle second, and Wandering Rose third. Amongst the keelboats, first overall on the return leg was Painted Jezebel once more, with Rebel H helmed by Jack Barnham second, and Rebel Maid third.
Back at the Clubhouse, dinghy racing was held for the younger sailors in a lively breeze, which picked up during the afternoon. In three short, sharp races, with two Lasers, four Toppers and three Splashes, Jasper Richardson made it three wins in his Topper, with second places going to Anya Gittins (Topper) and James Street (Laser Radial – two races). Third place went to Hamish Harmer (Splash – two races) and Anya. Racing was incredibly close, with just seconds separating the fleet on several occasions.
Focus now turns to next weekend (28/29 May) which sees HSC’s Flagship Event, the 61st Yachtmaster Insurance Three Rivers Race, which begins from Horning at 11am. Almost 100 boats are expected to make their way around the 24 hour, 50 mile course on the Norfolk Broads, a real test of seamanship and navigational skills. There are great vantage viewing points for spectators at the Bridges – Ludham, Potter Heigham and Acle.