On Sunday, Horning Sailing Club made their eagerly anticipated return to Hoveton Little Broad (Black Horse Broad) as it reopened for the summer season. There had been some concerns as to whether the weed which had been abundant last season would cause difficulties, although thankfully racing was largely unaffected, albeit sailing to a smaller than usual course.
A lively North Easterly breeze provided for exciting racing, with the winds constantly shifting, a challenge for both the race team and competitors alike. With short sharp races, there was plenty of action. The largest fleet taking part were the Yeomans, with seven on the Broad – and it proved to be a good day for Toby Fields and Daniel Blackwell in Tanskey, winning all three races. Second were Paul Clarke and Andy Tabiner in Two C Sons in all three races, with Geoff and Michael Stubbs (Blue Yeonder), and James Pettit and Andy Barnham in Anoah taking a third, before James’s father Roger helmed in the final race to also receive a third.
In the Reedlings, a close tussle ensued between Robert and Holly Hancock (Siskin) and Kevin Saunders and Brian Levy (Cockatrice), with Siskin eventually winning all three races. In the Rebels, Kevin Edwards and Tim Wildman (Rebel Maid) took wins as opposed to Peter Coles and Gary Wright’s win in the second race (Rebel Chieftain); with Alastair Fields and Kevin Blackwell (Rosy Wave) achieving the same in the Yare & Bures – two wins as opposed to Clive Gardner and Hilary James’s first place in Hairstreak.
The dinghy turnout was somewhat diminished, with several of the sailors away at different events; the first race was won by Kim West sailing his Laser, with Harrison Ryder second (Laser radial). The remaining two races were won by Tallulah Burr in her Laser Radial. It was also good to see Cruisers participating, with both George and Jo Brewis (Amantani) and Peter and Mandi Goshawk (Grayling) taking a race win each.
Next weekend sees the 62nd Yachtmaster Three Rivers Race take place, with over 100 entrants leaving from Horning at 11am on Saturday 3rd June. This unique Broads spectacle is not to be missed. All the action can be seen on the Sailing Club’s webcams: