A ‘Discover Sailing’ Day on Saturday, followed by Club racing on Sunday, made for a fantastic weekend at Horning Sailing Club.
With the event held as both part of the Horning Boat Show and the Royal Yachting Association’s ‘Discover Sailing’ programme, a warm, sunny Spring day attracted a lot of prospective sailors to get out on the water Saturday in perfect conditions. With plenty of club volunteers on hand, over 150 people enjoyed a taster sailing session at Horning Sailing Club in traditional Broads boats. For many it was their first time on the water, providing a great introduction to sailing, whilst for others it was an opportunity to get back into something that had been enjoyed when they were younger. Feedback included “thank you so much – a wonderful experience”, “very nice family friendly club” and “made my week!”
Returning to club activities, Sunday saw racing take place on the river in very light winds and overcast skies. Despite this, it was still warm, and sailors started racing in earnest. As the variable winds continued to drop during the morning series before picking up a little during the afternoon, this meant that sailors who were able to keep up momentum had a large lead over the fleet, whilst the remainder rafted up, only finishing as a fleet when what little wind there was gently took them over the finish line. It also provided challenges for the OOD and resulted in some long races and several retirements, particularly during the second race. As the majority of the fleet sailed the final leg of the second race, they were accompanied by three traditional Broads Wherries - Hathor, Norada and Olive - gliding through The Street at Horning on their way to How Hill from Wroxham – a beautiful sight! Turnouts were smaller by the afternoon, but this did not diminish enthusiasm with several continuing to complete all four races. Amongst the fleets, the morning Reedling races were won by Robert Hancock sailing Siskin, with Kevin Saunders in Cockatrice second, whilst in the Rebels, Amanda Barnes in Rebel Jade won the first race, the remaining two going to Kevin Edwards in Rebel Maid. In the Yeomans all three wins went to Paul Clarke sailing Two C Sons, having managed to get away from the fleet. The remainder of finishers were very close, with Toby Fields in Tanskey taking three seconds. The Yare & Bures saw Alastair Fields take two wins in Rosy Wave during the first and third race, with the entire fleet retiring during the second race! In the dinghy fleet, Anya Gittins took two wins in her Topper in the Allcomers C, the third race going to Jasper Richardson, also sailing a Topper, whilst in the Allcomers B, two wins went to James Street in his Laser Radial, another going to Harrison Ryder sailing his Splash. Paul Howes sailing River Cruiser Melinda also participated.
Saturday 07/Sunday 08 May sees another busy weekend for Horning Sailing Club, with a Pursuit Race and Spring Social on Saturday afternoon, and Club racing continuing on the River Sunday.