Bart's Bash at Horning Sailing Club
by Holly Hancock 22 Sep 2014 20:57 BST
21 September 2014
The lively winds proved a challenge for HSC's participation in Bart's Bash, but despite this the true team spirit of HSC shone through, the club fielding a fleet of 39 boats to take part in the event. With over sixty competitors taking part, including twenty-six dinghies, from the most experienced club racers through to those racing for the first time, the ages of those taking part ranged from just two years old to over eighty years old.
It was a spectacular sight to see the two mass starts on the River Bure outside the Clubhouse in Horning, the first for Keelboats and the second Dinghies, and all but one completed the course, showing huge amounts of determination and resilience in the challenging conditions despite numerous capsizes in the Force 5 winds. For some, especially the younger sailors, finishing in itself was a huge achievement, not giving up and making it around the course. The winner of the Dinghy race was Matt Hardy crewed by Delyth Crook sailing their Gull, finishing on handicap ahead of Richie Dugdale and Roger Hannant sailing their Lasers. The Keelboat race was won by Gerry Hermer crewed by Bernard Mann sailing Rebel Sailer, followed by Geoff Stubbs and Gordon Jewell sailing Yeoman 'Tara'. Third was Stuart Bailey helming his Reedling 'Jaws', crewed by Andy Barnham.
Reflecting the aim of the event, the best thing about the race was the emphasis on taking part and not the winning that mattered; those taking part were not just the regular club racers, but it also attracted those that do not normally race, all coming together for a great cause, and so far having raised over £600 for the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation.
Overall Results:
Dinghies: (26)
1) Lars Porsena (Matt Hardy & Delyth Crook)
2) Laser 175761 (Richie Dugdale)
3) Wet Feet (Roger Hannant)
4) Splash 1627 (Alex Storey)
5) Jackaroo (Jack Barnham)
6) Laser 164473 (Tom Storey) & Whizzly (Izzy Barham-Brown)
Keelboats: (13)
1) Rebel Sailer (Gerry Hermer & Bernard Mann)
2) Tara (Geoff Stubbs & Gordon Jewell)
3) Jaws (Stuart Bailey & Andy Barnham)
4) Folly Too (Paul Charlish & Vince Keen)
5) Monthelie (Aaron, Claire & Seth Male)
6) Tanskey (Toby Fields & Kevin Dixon)