Hadron H2 Open at Deben Yacht Club

Dave Barker using his light weight to maximum effect during the Hadron H2 Open at Deben Yacht Club © Keith Callaghan

Deben Yacht Club held an eventful open meeting for Hadron H2 dinghies on Sunday, 7th July. The weather forecast was 'exciting' to say the least, with anything from sunshine to thunderstorms possible.

Ten H2s from as far afield as Gosport, Blithfield and Glossop and including National Champion Robin Parsons from the host club and Inland Champion Josh Hamer from Leigh and Lowton SC participated.

The H2s launched into a light breeze, which was only just sufficient to overcome the incoming tide as they boats made their way from Woodbridge down river to the sailing area just above Waldringfield. Four races were scheduled, using the triangle-sausage course favoured by the class, and by the time of the first start the wind had filled in to a 12 knot westerly. With the wind slowly strengthening there was a close tussle between class chairman Richard Le Mare (Warsash SC) and relative newcomer to the class, Steven Hendon (Blithfield SC), with Steven just keeping ahead of Richard to take the gun, with Barry Wolfendon in third.

Steven Hendon gave Richard Le Mare some strong competition, finishing second overall in the Hadron H2 Open at Deben Yacht Club - photo © Keith Callaghan

The wind continued to increase throughout races 2 and 3, culminating in a spectacular rain squall which fortunately occurred just after the finish of race 3. Richard, winner of both races on the final (very windy) day of the 2023 Nationals, was now in his element and kept ahead of Steven to reverse the result in race 2, with Barry again third. He also won race 3, with an inspired Josh Hamer finding blinding off-wind speed to finish second, and the ever-consistent Barry again in third, relegating Steven to fourth.

Theoretically, Steven could still win if he won race 4 with Richard much further back. At the race start it looked as though this may indeed happen, as Richard managed to get the pin end mark entangled with his rudder and Steven was half way to the weather mark before Richard could sort 'Alice' and do his penalties. Amazingly, by the time they approached the finish line, Richard was only 10 metres behind Steven. But Richard was the only one who received a gun - Steven was OCS. Dave Barker in 'Raspberry Ripple' finally found his form to take second place while Barry Wolfendon made it four thirds in a row.

Richard Le Mare sails ‘Alice' to victory in the Hadron H2 Open at Deben Yacht Club - photo © Keith Callaghan

In summary, some great sailing in a wide range of wind strengths on a beautiful East Anglian river. Many thanks to race officer Ben Alexander and his team, and to the hospitable club members who made the visitors very welcome.

Overall Results: