Hadron H2 Open at Deben Yacht Club

Josh Hamer in 'Dirty Martini' leads the fleet in the second race of the Deben H2 Open © Keith Callaghan

The weather for this event was in marked contrast to that of last year's. Instead of an exhilarating 20 knot breeze, the four race 2023 event was sailed in light and variable conditions. Race officer Ben Alexander and his team did a marvellous job of promptly resetting the course three times as the wind shifted through 180 degrees.

Deben YC has one of the largest H2 club fleets and every boat participated. Perhaps because of the depressing weather forecast, there were only two visitors - Josh Hamer (Glossop SC) and Ian Little (Thorpe Bay YC).

In almost no wind, the long run from the club to the downriver race area against the tide took nearly an hour. The first race got under way in a fitful north westerly with the visitors at a disadvantage because local knowledge of the tidal flow was paramount. Nonetheless, Josh's boat speed pulled him through to win the short race from local hero Robin Parsons, with Lawrence Baker third and Ian little fourth.

The wind shifted and filled in for the second race but the top two results were the same. Lawrence and two other boats forgot to go through the line on one lap so were disqualified, which left Ian in third and Duncan Russell, sailing his first event in an H2, in fourth place.

Close racing with Robin Parsons in 'Scaramouche' leading race 3 of the Deben H2 Open - photo © Keith Callaghan

With two firsts under his belt, Josh seemed well on the way to victory. But Robin had other ideas and in the slightly stronger breeze he won the third race, with Josh second. With one discard allowed it all came down to the last race but Josh found himself exposed at the start with Robin on his lee bow and he was edged over the line. Robin led at the weather mark with Josh recovering rapidly but in fourth place. Robin took the final gun and Josh had managed to get back to second place, so Robin and Josh each had two firsts and two seconds. But in such a tie the last race results count so Robin Parsons won the event.

Close racing and friendly company are the trademarks of the H2 class and Deben YC provided this in full measure. Thanks to all at the club who were involved.

Overall Results: