Hornet National Championship 2024 at Dabchicks Yacht Club - Runners & Riders
by Sam Woolner 10 Jul 18:13 BST
13-16 July 2024
Hornet National Championship at Mumbles © Richard Woffinden
The 2024 National championships of the RYA National Hornet class hosted by Dabchicks Sailing Club is on the approach this weekend.
In true Hornet Class Style, half the fleet have been sailing all through the autumn, winter and spring, however a few unnamed participants are dragging the boats out of the garage as we write this.
Sailors wait in great anticipation as we have been promised typical British summer weather and decent breeze....
As usual, the contest for the trophy looks to be hotly contested with a number of teams looking to add to the number of their names on the plaque, as well as a few wild cards looking to pick it up for the first time.
Due to a last minute change of circumstances we also have a class boat available for loan so please get in touch with the class if you're interested.
In addition to the top prize, courtesy of sponsor Exe Sails the fleets will be competing for an extensive list of trophies including the famed Haggis trophy (mixed crew), the Tiger's head (Juniors), the four-pint Contech Tankard (Combination series) provided by local ex-Hornet sailor Simon Wakefield. The winners get to fill the tankard to its brim with their favourite tipple.
Last, but not least, "Strangler" or possibly his deputy will be presenting the alternative prizes, our equivalent of the Darwin awards, as part of the ritual humiliation of sailors who should know better. Don't get too excited; his budget for ten prizes is limited to £10!
Let's meet some of the contenders:
Terry Curtis & Gavin Pulloin 2093
Coming back as defending champions, they will be pushing for that back to back title that always seems so elusive with the class. With Terry getting more sailing in than the average round the world yachtsman, can that practice be put to good use? Rumoured to have a heavier boat this year, can the extra lead be a help or hindrance? Either way they will be pushing the front of the fleet on every point of the course with slick boat handling and solid upwind pace!
Michael McNamara & Harry Chatterton - 2109
No introduction needed here and with Michael fresh from winning a breezy Wayfarer Nationals and a reputed 82nd championship title, the multiple class champions are capable of showing incredible speed on every point of sail and manoeuvres to match. Without a doubt there will be a point to prove after narrowly missing out last year and Michael will be looking for his 83rd title!
Nigel Skudder & Keith Hills - 2160
The first of our top teams from Starcross, Nigel and Keith have developed the good habit of always featuring in the top 3 at the championships, putting together a cabinet of glassware but can this be the year to take home the trophy? Undoubtedly fast on the water and even faster on the dance floor. Pace yourself guys!
Richard Garry & Sam Woolner - 2154
Previous European and National Champions Dick and Sam from Starcross are hoping to improve on recent results that have kept them out of the top 3 for the past few years. Sailing a meticulously maintained Tim Coombe-built boat with a rich pedigree and an exciting new twist, could this be the year for them to take back the top spot? Always consistent across the wind range and carrying a little less weight than normal.
Tim Coombe & Kevin Francis - 2077
We would normally say "Another Starcross duo" here but sadly nephew James had other ideas and Tim has teamed up with hot Osprey Sailor Kevin Francis. Known as Uncle Tim by most Hornets out there thanks to his boatbuilding wizardry, his steed and oldest boat at this years championships could easily be featured at Goodwood..... Tim has a good record of championship race wins spanning decades of hornet sailing, but to date the title has been beyond his grasp.
Strangler & Pippa Rogers - 2190
Rumoured to be the only mixed crew this year, they are well acquainted with the Haggis Trophy and have put in plenty of top 3 results. Trying something new for this year, the pair have borrowed the Chairman's steed "Hornet's Punk" (fresh back from a tickle at Revill Boats) and are trying their hand in a plastic boat. Both Strangler and 2190 are known for sailing with exceptional height upwind and usually feature highly placed at the windward mark. Will the combination work to their advantage?
Jack Grogan & Sam Caslin - 2175
The first of the local teams, sailing the new(er) class boat. Jack comes from a strong sailing pedigree and can usually be found sailing at opposite ends of the scale in an 18ft Skiff, Musto Skiff or Squib. The team have been club racing 2175, a new acquisition for the class, to get to grips with it and have been putting in some strong results.
Bryan and Will Sergeant - 2165
Another of the Chairman's fleet and always for sale, "Deja Vu" has been put through its paces (and back together) over the winter and spring with some excellent club results. The last boat built by Malcolm Goodwin features a cutout crew deck and fantastic upwind pace. Borrowed by local team and event organiser Will Sergeant, helmed by his father Bryan, they are no strangers to symmetrical trapeze boats competing in multiple Fireball Championships and the National 18.
Justin Jones & Chris Anderson - 2193
Sailing the Epoxy version of the SP boat's Hull, Justin and Chris have been working tirelessly to finish building the interior and get the fittings on, along with the rope masters latest innovations in rigging! Will it be quick straight out of the gate? Have they built themselves a rocket ship? With no shortage of championship and sailing experience in the boat, this could be a team to watch and certainly when the breeze comes up!
And of course, there is the rest of us!
We look forward to seeing everyone and basking in the Essex sunshine!
With thanks to our sponsor, Exe Sails.