Streaker HD Sails Southern Paddle Series at Up River Yacht Club

Streaker HD Sails Southern Paddle Series at Up River YC - race 1 © Helen Rees

It was blustery conditions which greeted seventeen sailors arriving for the 2026 Up River Yacht Club (URYC) Streaker open meeting. This event was part of the HD Sails Southern Paddle Series and concluded the East Anglian Series.

It was great to see visiting sailors travel to URYC for our second Streaker open meeting, as well as a strong showing from the home fleet. Once everyone was launched and afloat - no mean feat in the gusty conditions - the fleet assembled on the start line, and race one got under way.

Race 1

Jack Gore (URYC) initially led the fleet upwind and around the windward mark, closely followed by James Dawes (Redditch SC). However, James' good progress upwind was lost following a decision to head to the southern bank, losing him valuable positions.

Jack then led the fleet towards the downwind mark, closely shadowed by his dad Ian Gore (URYC) in second, and with Lee Goodey (Broadstairs SC) following a little way behind leading the rest of the pack.

Unfortunately, Jack was then caught out at the downwind gybe mark and capsized, losing positions and falling back into the middle of the fleet. Ian then led back upwind, with Lee and the rest of the fleet catching up behind.

There wasn't enough time to catch Ian though, and he claimed the win, closely followed by Lee and James, who had successfully worked his way back through the fleet to a well-deserved third.

Streaker HD Sails Southern Paddle Series at Up River YC - race 2 start - photo © Helen Rees

Race 2

Race two began with another shifty and gusty beat, with the lead continually changing as the boats crossed, working their way towards the windward mark.

James was able to clinch the lead as the windward mark emerged and, learning from his previous mistake, sailed a flawless race ahead of the rest of the fleet.

Ian proved best of the rest with a second place, and Ben Harris (URYC) placed third.

Race 3

With Ian, James, and Lee all in the running to win overall, the final race would be crucial. Again, shifty conditions prevailed, and Neil Firth (Banbury SC) was first around the windward mark this time around.

Tim Harris (URYC) then powered past into the lead, with Ian closely following behind. Lee and James closely trailed too, and it was anyone's to win. The final upwind leg was tense, with all contenders closely matched.

Tim was able to just hold off Ian as the finish line approached, while Lee couldn't do the same, allowing James to slip up to third just before the finish.

That would mean Ian was able to clinch victory overall with James, Tim, and Lee close behind in the points.

It was great to welcome visiting sailors to Up River Yacht Club - we hope an enjoyable sail was had by all, despite the gusty conditions, and we look forward to seeing you all next year!

The final event of 2026 will be the P&B Streaker End of Seasons Championship at Northampton Sailing Club on Saturday 24 October. This event will conclude the Rooster Super Series, North Sails Northern Paddle, HD Sails Southern Paddle and Midland Series. That's one not to miss!

Overall Results: