Hansa TT at Frampton on Severn Sailing Club
by Andy Tully 9 May 07:05 BST
11 April 2026
Frampton on Severn Hansa TT 2026 © Callum Pearce
25 competitors originally registered for this first event of the 2026 Hansa TT series to be held at Frampton on Severn Sailing Club (FOSSC). However, on the day before the event, it was clear that competitors were keeping a keen eye on the weather forecast, that was predicting strong gusty south westerlies.
The competitor list dropped to 19 and the whole of the 2.3 fleet withdrew. Nevertheless, two of the original 2.3 competitors decided to join up and sail in the 2-person 303 fleet, which turned out to be a good decision as other than the challenging wind conditions, the day was gloriously dry and sunny.
Competitors included Whitefriars SC, Frensham Pond Sailability, Chesil Sailability, Newhaven and Seaford SC, Rutland SC, New Forest Sailability, Carsington SC, and the host FOSSC. It was a mixed fleet in terms of experience, which included many seasoned experts and a few relative novices. Hosting the event on a Saturday rather than mid-week as in previous years, may have contributed to the nevertheless healthy turn out, in view of the forecasted weather conditions.
The morning format consisted of two back-to-back races, with a very closely contested Liberty fleet race. Mike Everitt led for most of the first race but David Durston managed to get ahead in the last lap to take the win. The second race was much closer. With David and Mike once again ahead of their fleet and heading for the finish line, David tacked to starboard and Mike to port. However, the race committee could not split them apart at the line and they were awarded joint first.
The front of the Hansa 303 one-person fleet was dominated by Whitefriars SC, with Richard Rochester leading in both races in his recently refurbished black-hulled Hansa (Cry Havoc). The gusty wind conditions (approaching 30kts at times) caused several boats to take on water while broaching, leading to some frantic bailing!
The Hansa 303 2-person fleet was the biggest on the day with nine boats competing. The respective crews appeared more able to keep their boats relatively stable in the gusty conditions. The appropriately named 'Fearless', crewed by Jazz Turner and Jane Thompson, led the fleet in both races.
By lunchtime, most competitors appeared invigorated but nevertheless relieved to take a break from the challenging conditions. During lunch, it was clear that the wind was not going to abate, with gusts increasing to well over 30kts. In view of this, the race organiser took the decision to cancel the afternoon races (to the relief of the 303 fleets and disappointment of the Liberty fleet!).
Prizes were presented by FOSSC's Commodore Julian Hardy. Special thanks were given to the FOSSC volunteers for expertly managing the pontoons (with the kind support of Whitefriars SC), safety cover, race committee, and the galley team (who were especially busy throughout the day). FOSSC is very proud to host this first event of the Hansa TT season and looks forward to hosting it again next year.
Overall Results:
Liberty
1st David Durston (Whitefriars SC)
2nd Mike Everitt (Frensham Pond SC)
3rd Paul Pearson (Rutland SC)
303 1 Person
1st Richard Rochester (Whitefriars SC)
2nd Sophie Brisley (Whitefriars SC)
3rd Phil Monk (Whitefriars SC)
303 2 Person
1st Jazz Turner and Jane Thompson (Newhaven and Seaford SC)
2nd Lynne Swan and Stuart Swan (Chesil Sailability)
3rd Lottie Cobb and Marianne Will (Newhaven and Seaford SC)
Full results can be found here.