HRSC Junior Regatta 18 September 2016

Published 11:19 on 22 Sep 2016

This was the second attempt at running our inaugural open Junior Regatta, as the first date in July proved just too windy for the Committee boat to anchor.

We almost had the opposite problem this time, but there was always just enough wind to keep all the sailors moving. There were 25 dinghies from Hamble, Warsash and Weston clubs sailing a mix of Feva's, Laser 4.7, Pico's, Toppers, Optimists and a Tera. These were split into a Gold fleet for the more experienced sailors and a Silver fleet for the oppies and Tera for those new to racing.

Our RO, Kathy Smalley, set a simple triangle course, with the Gold fleet having to sail a much longer first beat than the Silver fleet, which meant the fleets finished at similar times. We had 3 races out at Cat Head, followed by a passage race back to the Club finish line, with the kind permission of the new Harbour Master.

The racing was challenging with a 90° wind shift during race 2, and the tide running across the race course too, both of which were new experiences for some of the younger sailors. With a northerly wind, the passage race was a beat up the river to the club line in a dying breeze, keeping the racers working to the end.

Lots of smiles from the sailors and parents as we met at the Club afterwards for well earned drinks and food, followed by prizegiving for the regatta. Spinlock kindly donated some buoyancy aids and day packs for prizes to go with some fine cadet trophies.

This was a great event, with friendly competition between the local clubs for our cadet members, which we hope to continue next year with more events with Netley, Warsash and Weston.

William Yonge

Last updated 10:20 on 9 April 2025