Horning Sailing Club’s Autumn Regatta took place on Sunday on Hoveton Little Broad. With the Clubhouse a hive of activity, the best turnout for a long time made it to the Broad to participate in the Bloodbath format races, meaning that the fleets would all be starting at once. However, on arrival at the Broad, the competitors were faced with flat calm conditions! Thankfully a light breeze quickly picked up and racing could get underway. Due to the number of competitors, the starts needed to be split into Bermudan/Gaff rig to avoid congestion on the start line! First away were the Bermudan rigs (Reedlings/Yeomans) who had to tack to reach the first buoy; by the second start just three minutes later, the Gaff rigs (Rebels/Yare & Bures) were able to make it straight to it, the wind having shifted. For much of the race, the lead was battled out between a Rebel, Reedling and Yeoman, the first race won by Kevin and Jo Edwards in their Rebel (Rebel Maid), with Ron Jackson and Julia Bower second in Yare & Bure (Holly Blue). Despite finishing first over the water, Robert Hancock and Tom Roberts in Reedling Siskin dropped to third on handicap.
By the second race, the wind had filled in, and by the second mark Siskin had cleared the fleet to lead for the remainder of the race, with Rebel Maid finishing second. Third was Stuart Bailey in Reedling Jaws. The third race saw Chris Bolton (Folly Too) lead for the first lap before being overtaken by Siskin, who would go on to win the third race and event overall, and the Black Horse Cup. Second in the last race was Toby Fields and Daniel Blackwell, sailing Yeoman Tanskey, with Folly Too third. Kevin Edwards won the Bloodbath Trophy for second overall.
Amongst the dinghies, a mix of Lasers, Splashes and Toppers participated. The first race was won by Hamish Harmer sailing his Splash, with Lily Herring second in her Topper, sister Jasmine finishing third in her Topper. The second race saw Harrison Ryder in his Laser Radial lead for the first two laps, before being overhauled on the final lap by Hamish, who would go on to take his second win, Harrison second, and William Woolston in his Laser Radial third. The final race saw a battle at the front of the fleet between Hamish and Harrison, with Hamish taking his third win and the event overall, including the Peter Pan Trophy. On handicap, Lily was second in the third race, winning the Club Challenge Cup B and Ladies Rose Bowl, and Jasmine third.
Overall, it was a fantastic turnout for a brilliant day’s racing – with 18 keelboats and 9 dinghies on the water.
Next weekend sees Horning Sailing Club’s traditional End of Season Regatta, although this might be best phrased as the “Not quite End of Season Regatta” as the season will be continuing for a few weeks yet, including a new passage race taking place on Saturday 21 October – all welcome, for more information please email racing@horning-sailing.club