Streaker HD Sails Southern Paddle Series at Banbury Sailing Club
by Neil Firth 16 Apr 13:36 BST
11 April 2026
Close racing - Streaker HD Sails Southern Paddle Series at Banbury © Tim Matthews
The Streaker HD Sails Southern Paddle Series got off to a cracking start on a breezy day at Banbury Sailing Club. The testing conditions produced a well-deserved podium finish for the only three boats able to stay upright for the two races sailed!
A building breeze was forecast, so Race Officer Tim Matthews announced that we would be attempting three back-to-back races, hopefully ahead of the worst of it. In the end only two races were completed.
Race 1 got away at the first attempt in 10-15 knots with occasional 20 knot gusts. Ian Morgan (Warsash SC) led Banbury locals, Neil Firth and Matt Best, off the line. These three were still in that order around the windward mark at the top of a short first beat. They stretched away from the chasing pack on a couple of speedy reaches until a lapse of concentration saw Neil roll in to windward for an unfortunate swim and that was his race done! That left Ian clear and away at the front, at least for a while.
Meanwhile, Dave Borrett (Beaver SC) was working his way through the chasing pack and, after breaking clear of Matt Whitfield (Tamworth SC) and Simon Beddows (Burghfield SC), he set about reeling in Streaker first-timer, Matt B. Dave was soon up to second and, by the final lap, he was battling with Ian M for the lead. However, in a final screaming reach to the line, Ian M took the photo finish, just ahead of Dave. Matt W was third and everyone but Neil stayed upright to finish the race!
As per the forecast, the breeze had been building with sudden gusts up to 25 knots by the start of race 2. Nevertheless, a full complement of eight boats made the start, with all of them surviving at least a couple of laps. At the front, it was Ian M who once again broke clear for an early lead which wouldn't be challenged this time. Behind Ian there was a tight three-way tussle for second between Dave, Matt W and Neil, with each holding second at times.
Early on lap 3, Neil was on a nice lift, tight to the lee bank, until he wasn't... and rolled it in to windward again!! That left Matt W and Dave in a fight for second which Dave eventually won, despite Matt W showing good upwind speed. An honourable mention for Simon in fourth. He was the only other survivor in this race, as the others all had the pleasure of planting their burgees in the Banbury mud!
At this point, the consensus was that we'd all had quite enough excitement for the day and the fleet retired to the clubhouse for a well-deserved home-made cottage pie, followed by tea and cakes courtesy of Becky and Myrtle in the galley.
So, after a challenging but very enjoyable day, it was Ian Morgan who took the event win ahead of Dave Borrett in second and Matt Whitfield in third. Thank you to all the volunteers at Banbury SC, with a special mention for the two rescue teams who certainly earned their lunch!
Next up for Streaker travellers this April:
- Bough Beech Open 18 April - HD Sails Southern Paddle Series
- Bardowie Open 18 April - HD Sails Scottish Series
- Hornsea Open 25 April - North Sails Northern Paddle Series
Overall Results:
| Pos | Boat Name | Sail No | Helm | Club | R1 | R2 | Pts |
|---|
| 1 | | 1726 | Ian Morgan | Warsash SC | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2 | | 1864 | Dave Borrett | Beaver SC | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 3 | Ecto‑1 | 1901 | Matthew Whitfield | Tamworth SC | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| 4 | Silver Bullet | 2205 | Simon Beddows | Burghfield SC/ Henley on Thames | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| 5 | Summer Breeze | 1665 | Matt Best | Banbury SC | 5 | RET | 14 |
| 6 | | 2132 | Christopher Smith | Island Barn RSC | 6 | RET | 15 |
| 7 | | 1900 | Ian Whitfield | Tamworth SC | 7 | RET | 16 |
| 8 | White Satin | 1977 | Neil Firth | Banbury SC | RET | RET | 18 |