Hornets at the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show
by Mike Owen 14 Feb 2012 12:49 GMT
3-4 March 2012
Gusty winds and steep waves for the Starcross Steamer © Tom Gruitt /
www.fotoboat.com
Not only is 2012 the Queen’s diamond jubilee, nor is it only the centenary of Jack Holt’s birth, nor is it even only the Olympics in Weymouth (sorry, London), but it is also the diamond jubilee of one of Jack Holt’s best ever creations. We are talking, of course, about the Hornet. There will be two versions of this famous ‘one design’ boat at this year’s dinghy show.
Given the latest variations of the ‘one design’ classes, it is difficult to remember what a revolutionary boat it was in its time. This high performance boat was designed to be built by professionals and also at home by virtual amateurs, featuring a (relatively!) simple to construct 16’ hard chine hull, but with a unique device to aid the stability, and to allow the boat to be sailed safely in strong winds by the lighter crews. Officially, this was called a ‘sliding seat’, which was pushed from side to side as the boat changed tack and supported the weight of the crew with minimal effort. It was considered so simple and easy to use that many younger members of the fairer sex were persuaded that they were quite capable of successfully crewing this advanced racing machine, even in a blow, and events proved this to be correct.
Along the line, the sliding seat changed names, and the early boats are now forever to be known as ‘plankers’. A few of them are still around, still sailing albeit carefully, and K140 regularly appears at CVRDA events. The sliding seat gave way in time to the well-known trapeze, some of the ‘plankers’ were converted, and race with the trapeze still today such as K1051.
As befits one of Jack’s unique creations, we are delighted to be exhibiting a beautifully preserved ‘planker’ in the Jack Holt Hall of fame. Built in 1959 by Cecil Doe boatbuilders in Yarmouth, Isle of Wight. This boat emerged last year from a 40 year rest in the boathouse at Sussex Yacht Club, effectively preserved in a time capsule. Its new owner, Jim Ingram has been a lifelong supporter of the class, and can be justly proud of his efforts to restore and protect this fabulous boat.
There has been some gentle (and occasionally less than gentle) modifications to the design of the Hornet and its rig over the years, so we are also exhibiting one of the latest versions on stand C60 in the great hall. Originally a ‘Speed Sails’ boat, K2176 has just been updated to show the latest standard of rig and the new laminate mainsail that is now permitted following a rule change last year.
Every year we meet a stream of former Hornet sailors, and we are always delighted to bring them up to date on what’s been happening, but this year, we have a different plan. We want to meet current Hornet sailors and those who want to be Hornet sailors as well!
We have a great Diamond Jubilee Nationals planned for Brixham in August (18th – 21st) and a number of other supporting events throughout the year. To aid the festivities, we are trying to make contact with as many current and previous owners as possible, so do not be surprised to get a communication form the Hornet Association in the next few weeks. We are determined to get as many boats out as possible, so if you think you may not be on the list and want to join us, please contact Mike Owen at or call 07761 413983.