As the water resembled a millpond, there was little enthusiasm to race on Sunday morning and, combined with the sad news that HSC’s President Alex Humphris had passed away earlier that day from a long illness, there was a rather sombre mood. Poignantly, the line was being run by members of the Rebel fleet, the fleet which Alex had sailed with in his later years – his last time out on the water just two years ago at the grand age of 90!
After the first race was abandoned due to lack of wind, those that stayed were treated to glorious conditions on Hoveton Little Broad, and enjoyed a very pleasant sail for the remaining two races. Both Yeoman races were won by Geoff Stubbs sailing Tara, with Roger Pettit (Anaoh) and Allan Dornan (Nimrod) taking a second and third place respectively. The Rebel races were won by Kevin Edwards in Rebel Maid, with Kim West in Rebel Queen second. Alastair Fields in Rosy Wave was first Yare & Bure. In the dinghies, both Dan Herring and Angus Tennant (visiting from Rudyard Lake Sailing Club) took a win each in their lasers. It was encouraging to see a good turnout of Toppers again: William Woolston was first, followed by Ella Middleton, with Lily Herring third in both races.
The afternoon, fittingly, was Commodore’s Day, which provided an opportunity for Club members to remember Alex and his legacy to the Club. Members enjoyed a treasure hunt, water races, plenty of games, and spent an afternoon with fun, laughter and friends – the perfect end to a sunny Sunday afternoon.
