Hornet Easter Egg at Maldon Yacht Club
by Dean Saxton 8 Apr 2008 08:12 BST
5-6 April 2008
The Hornet Easter Egg is held at Maldon © Jon Williams
As recent tradition dictates, the Hornet Easter Egg was not held over the Easter Holidays, but a little later. Maldon Yacht Club, on the banks of the river Blackwater, was the venue for this year's event and the club had geared themselves up for a good turnout. Unfortunately, due too the threat of wintry showers, many of the promised sought the comfort of their armchairs to watch the Grand National and the FA cup semis.
The race officer set a long course down river to the open water off Osea Island. Lewis Woodland and Jon Bailey lead the fleet from start to finish, followed by Dean Saxton and Rob Smith who, having had trouble before the start, took advantage of a swimming demonstration by Steve Cooke and Alistair McHardy to finish second. Race 2 was dominated by Dean and Rob, who took an early lead and raced back to the club to take the gong.
Saturday night was presented by Simon White and his “Guitar Heroes” which drew a huge crowd of adoring fans. Many sailors enjoyed the delights of the local ‘Essex Blonde’ and Ivor Woodland could be heard crying out for many a small ‘Essex Boy’, two of the local brews available for the evening. A three course meal was provided by galley star Pat White.
Sunday morning arrived with snow and two short races in front of the club. Dean, who had substitute crew Alex Rogers, led race 3 to the first mark, but was overhauled by Lewis on the long spinnaker leg, only to regain the lead with a crafty move just before the drop, which he held to the finish. Lewis led race 4 from start to finish showing some excellent spinnaker work to hold off the challenges of Dean, who fell at the water jump to allow Steve, who had substitute crew Simon White, to pass through into 2nd.
Overall Results:
1st Lewis Woodland / Jon Bailey
2nd Dean Saxton / Rob Smith, Alex Rogers
3rd Steve Cooke / Alistair McHardy, Simon White
4th Malcolm Woodland / Crew
5th Simon White / Simon Evance