Activities returned to Horning Sailing Club on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September, with the Club’s annual Junior Regatta and a Down River race.

Saturday’s racing saw some 26 young sailors take part in boats from Optimists through to Lasers, racing on the river outside the Clubhouse. With gusty winds forecast, races were short and sharp and the morning’s rain quickly cleared to provide sunny intervals. The Bronze, Silver and Gold Fleets all managed four races across the day, with close racing and strong competition.

The Bronze Fleet consisted of ten Optimists, with the young sailors in their first or second season of sailing. Racing was close, with the lead changing constantly, and sailing skills improving during each race. First overall was Oliver Besant, with Primrose Reardon-Burr second, and Isla Frary third.

The Silver Fleet saw five sailors participate, sailing in a Tera, Toppers and a Splash. As the wind picked up there were several capsizes, but all continued to sail well – managing to problem solve and right their boats after capsizes. The winner of the fleet was Sofya Collins (Splash) with Oscar Mitchell second (Topper) and Grace Russell (Topper) third.

The Gold Fleet saw the Club’s race group sail, with the 10 starters being the most competitive of the day, sailing Lasers, Splashes and Toppers – with very close racing. First overall was Jasmine Herring (Topper), second was James Street (Laser Radial) and third was Harrison Ryder (Splash).

The Endeavour Award for effort on the day went to Kira Harber sailing an Optimist, in her first season of sailing, for continuing sailing and smiling after banging her head on the boom and later capsizing her Optimist. It was encouraging to see some of the junior members also assisting on the line, and on rescue boat duties.

Sunday’s forecast for rain and heavy winds impacted on the turnout but a number of craft, including Cruisers, Yeomans, Rebels and a Yare & Bure, sailed down river to Thurne. With the stronger winds, the start and finish were unusually from the Clubhouse, making the race longer – and whilst it was largely a run/reach downriver, it was a tough beat back. On handicap and over the water, the first Keelboat to Thurne was Kim West’s Rebel, whilst on the return leg it was Chris Bolton’s Yeoman Folly which achieved the same. First Cruiser to Thurne was Robert Harris’s Rushmere.

Next weekend sees Open Dinghy Weekend taking place on both the Broad and the River.