It was very much a day of two halves for Horning Sailing Club’s Downriver Race to Thurne held on the August Bank Holiday Sunday. With a gentle breeze and brilliant sunshine in the morning, the racing started from Horning Church Staithe meaning that the competitors could start in the more open waters. From there, it was a fast and easy reach/run to Thurne, with the Officer of the Day only making it to Thurne by road seconds ahead of the first River Cruiser arriving at the finish! Crossing the line first were Peter & Mandi Goshawk and Pam Shallcross sailing Grayling, although on handicap it was George & Jo Brewis in Amantani who took the win. First amongst the keelboats and dinghies were Clive Gardner and Ioana Cimpoiasu sailing Yare & Bure Hairstreak.
By the return leg the breeze had picked up nicely, and all indications showed a good beat back to Horning; however, the winds soon dropped, and fighting the tide made it an extremely slow route home. With the busy bank holiday river traffic, it was an eventful journey - particularly when the skies darkened and torrential rain ensued. After the morning’s leg taking a little over 50 mins, the fastest time on the return leg was 2 hours 15 minutes, the last finisher just shy of 3 hours. First cruiser on handicap was Rushmere helmed by Robert Harris and crewed by Ron & Cathie Jackson, and first amongst the keelboats and dinghies were Steve Middleditch and Maria Spreadbury in Yeoman Scorpio.
Next weekend sees the HSC Yare & Bure Open Weekend take place on Hoveton Little Broad – all welcome, with club racing also taking place on the river.
