Kestrel 70th Anniversary Regatta at Llangorse Sailing Club
by Stewart Murdoch 19 May 10:09 BST
16-17 May 2026
Kestrel 70th Anniversary Regatta at Llangorse © Steve Smythe
Over the weekend 16th/17th May 2026 Kestrel sailors from every corner of the UK travelled to the
Brecon Beacons for a special event. It was just over 70 years ago that Ian Proctor sailed the
prototype Kestrel on Llangorse Lake in what was reported to have been a bitter day with hail.
The Anniversary Regatta was sailed in slightly warmer conditions which were still unseasonably
chilly but this was more than made up for by the warmth of the welcome, and the close racing on
both days.
Race management was excellent, with all 5 races started on programme, good courses and a
quick turn round between races - just what we like!
Race one stared in a very light and shifty westerly, Howie Enkel and Danni Tebbutt, Maylandsea
SC, started at the correct end of the line, reached the first mark first and disappeared, finishing
with a significant lead. They were followed home by Stewart and Julie Murdoch, Royal Tay YC,
with Malcolm and Dannielle Worsley also Royal Tay YC close behind.
Race two started as the wind swung giving the port end of the line a significant bias. Starting on
port the Murdoch's crossed the fleet and led the fleet round, pulling out a big lead on those who
were fighting for second and third place. However, they finished to silence - maintaining their
remarkable record of OCSs.
This gave first place to Howie and Danni, closely followed again by the Worsleys who by now
were starting to feel that they had in some way offended the Welsh wind gods.
Race three started in what looked like the best wind of the day. There was fierce close tacking to
try to get the best from the shifts. The leading group were overlapped at the end of the first beat
and places changed frequently on the second windward leg, then it all went pear shaped. The
second reach turned into a beat, then the wind vanished completely allowing the rest of the fleet
to close up.
Some might say it became a lottery, but your correspondent prefers to see the
outcome as tactical brilliance. The Murdoch's crossed first, followed by Mark Pollard and Martin
Walbank from Starcross SC, then David and Roz Downs from Tata Steel SC sailing the borrowed
class boat.
Saturday evening dinner in Llangorse SC was a huge success. All those who had entered were
presented with special anniversary polo shirts. There was a donated barrel of beer (thanks Mark)
and we had to be thrown out to allow the club to be locked up. A very sociable evening which, for
some, went on even later with live music and more beer in the local pub.
Sunday started with showers, bacon rolls and more wind. Race four and five were both windward
- leeward, with a leeward gate. The finishing positions make it look processional, but it was
anything but, with very close racing.
It came down to having a small edge in boat speed and the
tactical choices made on the beat. Howie and Danni got these correct more often than those
chasing. Malcolm and Dannielle were never far behind and Stewart and Julie plugged away in
third slot.
The final two legs may have been a homage to Ian Proctor. The sky darkened, there were some
dramatic gusts and a solid force five hit the fleet as they closed the leeward gate for the last
time... there were some dramatic moments and at least one swim. It was a tough slog back up
the lake home to the club.
Overall Results:
1st Howie Enkel and Danni Tebbutt - Maylandsea SC - 1574 - 4 points
2nd Stewart and Julie Murdoch - Royal Tay YC - 1648 - 9 points
3rd Malcolm and Dannielle Worsley - Royal Tay YC - 1638 - 9 points
4th Mark Pollard and Martin Wallbank - Starcross SC - 1652 - 18 points
5th Chris and Ben Grice - Maylansea SC - 1472 - 18points
6th Steve Worf and Dave Hearsum - Calshot SC - 1636 - 19 points
7th David and Roz Downs Tata Steel SC - 164X - 21 points
8th Jorrit and Toby Schrauwers Welland YC Kestrel 466 - 30 points
9th Paul Wilks and Jane O'Brien Maylandsea SC - 1605 - 31 points