Yeoman/Kinsman Nationals at Horning Sailing Club

The Yeoman & Kinsman National Championships, hosted by Horning Sailing Club, took place over the weekend of 17/18th June on Black Horse Broad. The event attracted visitors from as far afield as Queen Mary SC, London, with around half the competitors coming from local sailing clubs, such as NBYC. Junior members from HSC were also well represented, with 14 year old James Dugdale sailing Y30 Resurrection, crewed by sister Carol aged just 12 yrs and, on Sunday, joined by friend Simon Bennett aged 14 yrs. 17 year old Toby Fields helmed his Yeoman Tanskey, with father Alistair crewing, to come 11th overall in a competitive field.

Saturday saw 20 boats take part despite the light, shifting winds. These conditions meant that setting the course proved a tough challenge.

Sally & nephew Richie Dugdale led the first race from start to finish, while in the second race Richard and Frances Whitefoot took the lead for most of the race, only to be overtaken near the end by Sally, who gained the advantage by flying her spinnaker.

On Sunday conditions were more suited to the Class, with wind increasing at times to SW force 4, the numbers of entrants remaining constant with around 18 Yeoman per race. The stronger winds forced four retirements during the course of the day.

Sally led the first race throughout and in the second, was behind Richard and Frances until she pulled out a lead on the penultimate mark. The third race again favoured those with spinnakers, though Richard & Frances did well to gain 4th position sailing without. In the final race of the series, by the last mark Diamond Lil, helmed by Neil Beatton of Queen Mary SC, had got to within one boat’s length of Sally, but she just managed to hold onto her lead.

The Moores Trophy, presented to Helm & Crew of the Winning Boat in the Championships, was won by Sally and Richie Dugdale in Y32 Lavinia, who won all 5 races in fine style. Richie was also awarded The J & N Trophy for Winning Crew.

The Chairman’s Trophy for second place, and The Alan Wheatley Trophy for 1st Boat in Championships not using Spinnaker, went to Richard and Frances Whitefoot in Y67 Fire Opal, whilst Neil Beatton and M Pride sailing Y118 Diamond Lil took The Scott Salver for 3rd Boat in the Championships. In fourth place, just one point behind them, was Y34 Out of the Blue helmed by Steve Cliffe.

At the Presentation Ceremony, Event Organiser Sally thanked Jeckells for their sponsorship and for kindly supplying mementos for all the competitors and helpers, and also thanked the Visiting Clubs for their support. Next year the Championships will be held at NBYC Wroxham.

Overall Results: