Gull Inland Championships at Horning Sailing Club
by Holly Hancock 17 Aug 2009 23:59 PDT
15-16 August 2009
The two day Gull Inland Championships hosted by Horning Sailing Club were held on Black Horse Broad over the weekend 15th-16th August 2009 attracting twelve competitors, mostly visitors. Sailors made the long journey for the racing from as far afield as Kent, West Sussex, Berkshire and Oxford.
Saturday saw strong gusty westerly winds, providing challenging sailing for the competitors. Two dead runs during each lap of the afternoon’s course proved testing sailing, with the whole fleet death rolling across the broad. During one of the races, of the eight starters only four made it to the finish line, amongst capsizes, near-sinkings and retirements. Most boats were sailed double-handed, although two were singlehanded, some opting to put in reefs in the gusty weather.
The racing was somewhat calmer on Sunday, the moderate westerly breezes providing near perfect sailing conditions, with an increased turnout as a result. Jim Thomas crewed by Honor Craig-Bennett took a further two first places to win the event overall. Second was Jane Williams crewed by 11-year-old Matthew Varcoe with a first and four second places. With three thirds and a fourth the young team of teenagers James Dugdale and James Patience, fresh back from the Topper Worlds in Austria came third overall.
Overall Results:
1. Jim Thomas & Honor Craig-Bennet 1986
2. Jane Williams & Matthew Varcoe 2275
3. James Dugdale & James Patience 1930
4. Dick & Linda Case 1959