Topper and Single-Handed Open at Horning Sailing Club
by Holly Hancock 5 Oct 2015 16:17 BST
3 October 2015
Topper & single-handed open at Horning © Holly Hancock
Twenty Toppers took part in the first Topper traveller event to be held at Horning Sailing Club in many years. On a warm October day twelve home sailors welcomed eight visitors from across the Eastern Region, from Royal Harwich YC, Broxbourne, Milton Keynes SC, Blackwater SC, SESCA and more locally, Hickling Broad SC and Norfolk Broads YC.
Although there was brilliant sunshine the very light winds proved a challenge for both competitors and the race team alike. Run alongside a single-handed open event, the first race of the day got underway in a strong tide which resulted in several sailors being caught out over the line. The light winds also resulted in several last minute sail changes with several 4.2 sailors making the most of the opportunity to try a 5.3 sail for the first time.
Racing took place on the river, and the added obstacle of hire craft sharing the sailing area provided an extra challenge for competitors. With the wind not improving over the day it was a true test of perseverance and determination for the young sailors, but this did not put them off, with several opting to take part in a fun non-series race at the end of the day.
In the end, local knowledge paid off, with four of the top six sailors from the host club, HSC. Two wins in the morning races was enough for William Penny (HSC) to take the event overall, with Ellie Edwards close behind with a second and first (HSC). Third was Samuel Shackle (Broxbourne) with a second and fourth place. Fourth and fifth were Toby Pearce and Natalie Stiff respectively (both HSC) and sixth Beth Albone (MKSC).
The Single-handed Open saw three wins from Edward Wildman (HSC) sailing his Laser enough to win over Ezra Bailey (HSC) with a first and two seconds, and Luke Knight third (HSC), both also sailing Lasers.