Hurricane class at the East Coast Piers Race 2025
by Ben Harris 19 Sep 15:22 BST
13-14 September 2025
East Coast Piers Race © Lotte Johnson /
www.lottejohnson.com
Six Hurricane 5.9SX catamarans joined over 50 boats, ranging from Dart 15s and Musto Skiffs to the foiling Nacra 20 FCS, at Marconi Sailing Club for the 2025 East Coast Piers Race weekend.
The event combines inshore racing on the River Blackwater with the long-distance challenge to Walton Pier, raising funds for Essex Air Ambulance and the Cirdan Sailing Trust. This year's edition, moved from its usual summer slot to mid-September, came with a volatile forecast. Early in the week, forecast suggested heavy rain and 40+ knot gusts, but as the weekend approached, the weather improved for a great weekend of racing.
Saturday's inshore racing saw three Hurricanes take to the water in a fresh 15-25 knots breeze, while others opted to save their energy for the main race. From the clubhouse, spectators enjoyed great views of the windward/leeward racing, with Ben Harris & Izzy Smith finishing third overall in the Saturday Series, recording a top speed of 18.7 knots. Close behind, John Tuckwell & Mike Cleaver and local pairing of John Pearse & Jason Clarke enjoyed the fast-paced racing in some pretty challenging conditions!
The fleet were grateful to return ashore - the sky now completely black, occasionally illuminated by flashes of lightning. Thunder rumbled throughout the afternoon, but in true ECPR-style, the sun shone as sailors enjoyed a BBQ and well-stocked bar into the evening.
Sunday began with the traditional Sweet Caroline wake-up call, and the race got under way promptly at 08:00 in light wind. Jack Tindale & Matt Kimber were rewarded for some bold tactical moves and and punched out at the front of the fleet, challenging for the line-honours lead against the faster Nacra 20s and F18s. Ben & Izzy briefly closed in on the lead, but a misjudged gybe inshore towards West Mersea opened the door for Greg Reed & Paul Elliott to jump ahead.
The fleet enjoyed a long downwind to Walton Pier, passing the Colne Point Gate and Clacton Pier with breeze gradually increasing. Jack & Matt held a comfortable lead over the Hurricane fleet as they rounded the turning mark at Walton Pier. The racing remained tight as the fleet turned back, only for John & Mike to suffer an unfortunately timed dismasting at the furthest point from the finish line!
Upwind, Ben & Izzy found another gear, closing the three minute gap to Jack & Matt and taking the lead just before Clacton Gate. With the wind gradually veering to the South, the leg back to Bradwell became a tight reach, closing off any tactical options for Jack & Matt. George & Howard Warrington found their stride on the reach to pass Greg & Paul shortly before the finish - the typical tight racing in the Hurricane fleet prevalent even over a five hour race.
The club was keen to get the prize-giving under way as the afternoon's anticipated rain and wind began to close in, with an array of perpetual trophies awarded in typical fashion on the river bank of the Blackwater. Ben & Izzy took the Hurricane Shield for first Hurricane and finished fifth overall, with Jack & Matt in eighth. It was great to see the Hurricanes performing well on handicap - all teams placing well against faster boats.
Huge thanks to the organising committee and Marconi SC who delivered another excellent event, and to the safety volunteers who ensured GBR 500 returned safely ashore without any further damage after a lengthy tow back to the club! The Hurricane fleet look forward to returning in 2026 for another great weekend of sailing, all in aid of some fantastic charities.
Whilst the 2025 Hurricane 5.9SX Traveller Trophy circuit has drawn to a close, the class will be attending Grafham Cat Open in mid-October for another weekend of fast, fun, tight racing. The fleet continues to grow, with several great second-hand boats available for less than £3000 - easily the best bang for your buck amongst any catamaran class!
Hurricane Results:
| Pos | Sail No | Helm | Crew | Club | Elapsed Time | Gap to Line Honours | Gap to 1st Hurricane | Gap to 1st Overall (Corrected) | Top Speed (kts) |
|---|
| 5th | 409 | Ben Harris | Izzy Smith | Weston SC | 04:47:40 | +00:25:46 | +00:00:00 | +00:05:12 | 16.1 |
| 8th | 229 | Jack Tindale | Matthew Kimber | Stone SC | 04:49:10 | +00:27:16 | +00:01:30 | +00:06:49 | 15.1 |
| 10th | 487 | George Warrington | Howard Warrington | Thorpe Bay YC | 04:57:05 | +00:35:11 | +00:09:25 | +00:14:01 | 15.3 |
| 11th | 333 | Gregory Reed | Paul Elliott | Datchet Water SC | 04:58:48 | +00:36:54 | +00:11:08 | +00:16:00 | 16 |
| RET | 500 | John Tuckwell | Mike Cleaver | Bala SC | ‑ | ‑ | ‑ | ‑ | 12.9 |
| DNC | 171 | John Pearse | Jason Clarke | Marconi SC | ‑ | ‑ | ‑ | ‑ | ‑ |