Saturday 25th /Sunday 26th September saw a good turnout enjoy Horning Sailing Club’s Open Dinghy Weekend, many of the sailors coming from HSC’s youth training programme. There was close competition in the light winds, with racing across Allcomers B and C fleets, sailing in a variety of dinghies from Lasers, Solos and Splashes to Toppers and Teras. Saturday afternoon racing took place on the river outside the Clubhouse in a very light breeze, with both Allcomers B races won by Edward Wildman in his Laser, ahead of brother Thomas who was second in both races, also sailing a Laser. With the fleet temporarily splitting to provide class racing for the growing number of Splashes, the second race was won by Tallulah Reardon-Burr, followed by Harrison Ryder in second, and Lewis Green third. Amongst the Allcomers C, the racing was dominated by Toppers, the first race being won by Jasmine Herring, the second by Zia Gittins.
On Sunday, racing took place on Hoveton Little Broad in an increasing breeze, providing pleasant conditions. All three Allcomers B races were won by Kevin Edwards in his Solo, with visiting Solo sailor Chris Bolton second in two races, the remaining second place went to James Pettit sailing his Splash. Chris would go on to win overall, taking into account positions from races on both days. Behind Chris, second overall was Harrison sailing his Splash, with Tallulah third. Amongst the Toppers, as the wind picked up there were several capsizes, with Hamish Harmer, Lily Herring and Zia Gittins taking a win each. It was eventually Hamish who won overall, with Zia second and James Street third. Special effort awards chosen by the Officer of the Day also went to Edward and Tallulah for great sailing over the weekend.
Meanwhile three young sailors had made their way to Grafham Water Sailing Club to participate in the RYA British Youth Sailing Regional Junior Championships – Anya Gittins and Abigail Penny sailed in their first big event in the Toppers, finishing 14th & 15th respectively in a strong fleet of 30+ boats – and Oliver Means sailed very well in the Optimist fleet to come 4th overall – congratulations and well done to them all!
Next weekend sees the Autumn Regatta take place on Hoveton Little Broad.