Splash National Championships at Horning Sailing Club
by Holly Hancock 21 Jun 2010 14:33 BST
19 June 2010
Saturday saw seven fearless young Splash Sailors compete in the 2010 Nationals hosted by Horning Sailing Club in conditions that would have been challenging for even the most experienced of sailors. In winds gusting Force 7 at times, the morning’s two races were held on Hoveton Little Broad, Horning Training Centre’s new Floating Classroom Bure Magic being put to full use.
With visitors from as far afield as Derbyshire and Northampton, there was competitive racing across the fleet, which became closer as the day went on. Visitor Simon Bennett won the first race of the Championship from Trent Valley Sailing Club’s Ben Haynes after changing the lead several times.
A similar tussle ensued in the second race until Ben, who was in second place behind Simon, capsized seconds before crossing the finish line enabling Horning Sailing Club’s Joanne Moore to sail past him to take second place.
The vicious squalls meant that no sailor escaped capsizing - a particularly memorable moment was where Charli Hadden and Rachel Heggs capsized perfectly in unison rounding a buoy!
As the winds increased it was a true test of endurance, the afternoon’s racing moving to the River outside the Clubhouse in the adverse conditions, six boats continuing to compete. The first race was led by Horning’s James Galloway until he capsized and was passed by most of the fleet, Jo Moore taking line honours.
The final race saw the closest racing of the day, less than 40 seconds separating the four finishers. With three first places the overall trophy and title of Splash National Champion 2010 was taken by Simon Bennett, in second place was Joanne Moore with one first and two seconds, and third Ben Haynes with a second, third and fourth place.
All coped admirably in the conditions, approaching the races with maturity and endless enthusiasm.
Overall Results
1st Simon Bennett (Norfolk Broads Yacht Club)
2nd Joanne Moore (Horning Sailing Club)
3rd Ben Haynes (Trent Valley Sailing Club)
4th Charlotte Hadden (Swarkestone Sailing Club)
5th Rachel Heggs (Hollowell Sailing Club)
6th James Galloway (Horning Sailing Club)