After last week’s “Discover Sailing” Open Day, it was another busy weekend at Horning Sailing Club, with Pursuit Races on Saturday followed by Club racing on Sunday. Both days saw the wind unusually creating a running start and a beat back down the river, which provided for some exciting racing. Saturday afternoon’s Pursuit races saw the slower boats start first, with Anya Gittin’s Topper first away, followed by a Yeoman, Rebels and Reedlings. In the first race Anya did well to retain the lead for some 40 minutes, and in the second race managed to hold onto third position overall. Having started mid-fleet, it was Chris Bolton’s Yeoman, Folly, that would go on to lead and win both races. Having started last as the fastest boat, Robert Hancock’s Reedling Siskin finished in second place on the first race, with Kim West’s Rebel Queen third, in the later race Rebel Queen finishing second ahead of Anya.
Sunday saw more sunshine and a variable breeze, but pleasant conditions nonetheless. The running start created close racing, with the lead changing several times amongst the fleets. The low water also posed some challenges, with several boats going aground. First away were the Reedlings, with four participating. After a very close run to the first buoy, the return beat saw a close tussle between Robert Hancock’s Siskin and Stuart Bailey’s Jaws, with Siskin managing to take the win. The second race saw Roger Pettit (Osiris) take a win, with Ezra Bailey (Jaws) second. The afternoon race was close, with Kevin Saunders (Cockatrice) first, and Osiris second. Next away were the Rebels, with Kim West winning both the morning races in Rebel Queen, the afternoon won by Kevin Edwards (Rebel Maid).
There was a particularly good turnout in the Yeomans, with seven competing. With some opting to fly spinnakers, for some this decision paid off, not so much for others. Geoff Stubbs sailing Tara won the first race, with Chris Bolton in Folly second, gaining several places on the second lap. Third was Toby Fields sailing Tanskey, who would go on to win the second race, with Paul Clarke (Two C Sons) second in the morning series. The afternoon saw Tara win over Folly, and Tanskey third once more. The Yare & Bures were very close, with Alastair Fields (Rosy Wave) taking the win over Ron Jackson (Holly Blue) in his first outing this year, a pattern repeated in the second race.The Mixed Allcomers race at the end of the day saw a win for Folly, with Osiris second.
The dinghies first race was won by Hamish Harmer, with Anya Gittins second and Jasper Richardson third, all sailing Toppers, the second race seeing Anya take the win, Jasper second and Hamish third. Amongst the Lasers, William Woolston won from James Street in two races, James winning the third, with Abbey Penny second, sailing a Splash. During the afternoon, Anya made it another two wins, with Lily Herring second (Topper) and Jasper third (race 3); and in race 4, Jasper second, and Hamish third.
Next week sees a Single-Handed Open take place on Saturday – all welcome (visit www.horning-sailing.club for more information) - and Club racing on the river Sunday.