Streaker East Anglian Series and South East Series at Up River Yacht Club

Race 3 under way at the Up River Streaker Open © Rob Bodman

Whilst there was a distinct lack of wind when 25 sailors started rigging their Streakers at Up River YC, a breeze soon filled in for the inaugural Streaker open meeting. After a briefing on the eccentricities of sailing on the River Crouch, the fleet launched ahead of three exciting races.

Race 1 saw a clean start, with the fleet heading downriver on a fetch/beat. Those who could best negotiate the numerous shifts whilst managing the incoming tide led the fleet towards Brandy Hole, with Neil Firth (Banbury SC) steering the fleet round the first few marks, followed by URYC sailor Ian Gore. Behind that pairing, the brother double of Tim and Ben Harris (both URYC) squabbled over third, followed by Jack Gore (URYC), Ian Bradley (Ouse Amateur SC) and Dave Adams (Broadstairs SC).

The remaining 18 Streakers wrangled for the final places right up to the line - local and visiting boats enjoyed close racing throughout the three races held. Whilst it was Neil who led round the windward mark, Ian G overtook on the downwind legs to take the win. Neil took second with Ben beating brother Tim for third.

25 boats fill the River Crouch at the Up River Streaker Open - photo © Jane Berry

Race 2 saw a similar course but with increased gusts - a blustery beat greeted the fleet following a general recall on the start line. It was Ian G who led to the first mark, closely followed by Neil. Challenging conditions continued, with Greg Walker (URYC) ripping his sail following a collision with another boat's shroud and a subsequent capsize.

Unfortunately, Ian B's capsize on the downwind leg saw him pushed into the midfield from a good position up front. A closely fought third place was taken by Alex Gore (URYC), with the top two a duplication of race 1.

Race 2 saw more of the close racing we had experienced in race 1 and there was a general buzz on the water as we lined up for the third and final race.

Competitive racing at the Up River Streaker Open - photo © Helen Rees

The tide had turned by now, and it took the fleet three attempts before we were able to get away. Challenging conditions continued, most especially on the downwind leg as the fleet negotiated the tree-lined section of the bank.

Alex and Ian B were able to break away from the pack quite substantially, whilst Sam Harris (URYC) and Ian G lost their gap to the two lead boats and were subsequently swamped by the fleet behind. This run continued for a fair distance, and at multiple points it was possible to walk halfway across the river on the foredecks of each boat. The close proximity of the fleet made for - at times - racing a tad too close and a few boats were forced to do 720s amidst plenty of other boats.

Busy starts at the Up River Streaker Open - photo © Helen Rees

This race was won by Ian B, whilst Alex - who had come second on the water - turned out to be OCS on the start and was therefore disqualified. This saw Ian G promoted to second, and Ben took third.

After three races, it was Ben Harris who took third, with Class Chairman Neil Firth taking second. Ian Gore was first overall, concluding a successful inaugural Streaker open meeting at URYC. We hope you enjoyed it and all come back next year!

Ian Gore wins the Up River Streaker Open - photo © Rob Bodman

Thank you to all the volunteers at Up River Yacht Club for a very well run event, on and off the water.

This event qualifies for both the Streaker East Anglian and South East Series. The East Anglian Series concludes at Ouse Amateur on 21 September and the South East Series concludes at Burghfield on 4 October.

Prize-winners at the Up River Streaker Open (L-R) Ben, Ian B, Neil, Ian G, Dave, Jack, Tim, Rob (Commodore) - photo © Helen Rees

Overall Results: