Gull Inland Championships at Horning Sailing Club

Twelve Gulls race on Black Horse Broad for their Inland championship © Holly Hancock

The 2006 Gull Inland Championships were held on Black Horse Broad, hosted by Horning Sailing Club. A poor weather forecast resulted in a slightly diminished fleet to previous years, but 12 competitors still participated, coming from as far afield as West Sussex.

On Saturday light to moderate shifting winds made setting the course a difficult task for Officer of the Day Gary Wright. Sunday provided an interesting combination of weather, from thunderstorms, torrential rain and wind gusting to force 5, to bright sunshine and very light winds.

Several entrants sailed their Gulls as single-handers, which proved at times to be challenging, especially in Sunday’s blustery conditions.

Sally Dugdale, crewed by son James, won all five races, leading from the start on some but challenged on others by Jane Williams sailing Lars Porsena and Chris Abela in his Gull. With three second places Jane, crewed by Sarah Dugdale, came second overall and Abela was third.

The weekend saw several Horning Junior Sailing Club members taking part, including brother and sister duo Tom and Tessa Heaffey, aged 14 and 12 respectively. Tom, crewed by Ali Bourke, won the Under 18 trophy, and Tessa, crewed by Josh Bone, also 12, the Under 14 trophy.

Overall Results: