First Hadron H2 open meeting at Deben Yacht Club

The fleet sails back upriver to Woodbridge after the first ever Hadron H2 open meeting at Deben YC © Keith Callaghan

Situated at Woodbridge at the head of the beautiful River Deben in Suffolk, the Deben Yacht Club is now the premier H2 club on the East Coast. Their first H2 open event was therefore looked forward to with anticipation.

That fewer than expected visitors turned out may have been due to a football match or just the travelling distance; by Saturday evening some absentees may have felt justified, as the day had produced absolutely zero wind and any idea of racing was abandoned. However, the club made up for it socially with great hospitality during the evening.

Sunday was more promising, with the forecast SE 8-10 knot breeze filling in nicely. The boats sailed downriver to the open expanse of water upstream from Waldringfield. With an incoming tide and partly covered banks local knowledge was going to be at a premium but the visitors did not travel there just to follow the local experts around.

Roger Millet (Chichester) takes third in the first ever Hadron H2 open meeting at Deben YC - photo © Keith Callaghan

In fact it was the person who had travelled furthest who showed the fleet the way round: Roger Millett from Chichester coming home ahead of another visitor, Andrew McGaw (Burghfield), with Robin Parsons of the home club in third place and another visitor - Class Chairman Dave Barker (Draycote) - in fourth.

With four races scheduled there was still much to go for. Robin Parsons now got into top gear but the visitors were just as determined to succeed. Dave Barker is one of the lighter helms in the class and it was noticeable that he was extremely quick off wind but the wind strength was sufficient for him to have to concede distance to the heavier Robin on the beats in spite of his athletic endeavours. Thus Robin was able to fend Dave off with three wins to Dave's 2,3,2.

Dave Barker (Draycote) takes second place in the first ever Hadron H2 open meeting at Deben YC - photo © Keith Callaghan

Roger Millett added a 3,4 to his win to secure third place and Andrew McGaw added the same results to his second place to take fourth overall. Lawrence Baker improved his standing in the DYC pecking order by scoring 6,7,7 to take the second DYC slot in fifth place.

After a glorious day's sailing the fleet ran back upriver against the now ebbing tide, where tea and cakes awaited on the welcoming club verandah. Thanks to all at the club, on and off the water, who made the event a special one. We hope you will invite us back next year.

Robin Parsons (of the home club) wins the first ever Hadron H2 open meeting at Deben YC - photo © Keith Callaghan

Overall Results: