Dinghy Week 2024 at Walton and Frinton Yacht Club

Dinghy Week at Walton and Frinton YC © WFYC

61 boats made up the bumper entry to this year's Walton and Frinton Yacht Club Dinghy Week with five days of competitive racing taking place in the extremely picturesque Walton Backwaters.

The eclectic mix of boats making up the three fleets included three International Canoes, five Wayfarers, five Hadron H2s, six Laser Radials, ten Laser 4.7s, two Laser 2000s plus three of the club's venerable Jewel one designs dating back to the 1950s. Conditions throughout the week were consistently breezy with no sailing possible on Thursday thanks to Storm Lilian.

In Class 3 all of the top places were taken by Laser 4.7s with Lotte Langfeldt securing a comfortable win, counting four firsts out of six races. The rapidly improving Arlo Atkins was second with Adam Kedge not far behind in third. Adam also scored a notable first place in race 2. Jemima Wight put in a consistent performance throughout the week to finish fourth with Millie Thomsen fifth (including a well-deserved first place in race 6).

Class 2 saw a very close battle develop between Ronan and Amy Banim in their Laser 2000 and 15 year old Harry Baldwin in his Laser Radial. Both finished on 9 points and both discarded a fourth place. It was therefore left to countback to decide the winner meaning that the Banims were victorious by the narrowest of margins.

John Summerfield, also sailing a Radial, put in a very good performance to finish third including an impressive two race wins.

John was also awarded the veteran's trophy for first competitor over the age of 70. Jemma Wright was fourth, in addition winning the trophy for first Lady helm in class 2, with Alexander Wright fifth, both sailing Radials. Richard Lavington and Kay Hughes won the Hale Trophy for the first Jewel overall.

In Class 1, the boisterous conditions suited Simon Hipkin in his International Canoe, winning 4 out of 6 races. Second place went to previous winner James Oxley in his new Hadron H2. Tim Wood and Sarah Elliot sailed a very consistent series to finish third in their Wayfarer and despite lacerating his Achilles tendon on Thursday, Tim impressively managed to hobble down the pontoon on crutches and complete the final windy race.

Dinghy Week at Walton and Frinton YC - photo © WFYC

Ian, Hannh and Izzy Foxwell, visiting from the Medway and sailing their Wayfarer three-up, managed to secure fourth overall including a win in race 1. The Foxwells apparently enjoyed the week so much they are now planning to buy a holiday home in the area and join the club!

The final place in the top five was taken by Dom Jacobs sailing another Hadron H2. Becci Hooper won the Wood Bowl for the first Lady Helm in class 1, with husband Alex crewing in their Wayfarer.

Off the water, the Apres Sail was up to the usual high standards with live music every evening plus the temporary outside bar in full swing.

The club also celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the new clubhouse during the week with key members of the build invited to share their memories.

Walton and Frinton Yacht Club's Dinghy Week continues to go from strength to strength and if you want fun but competitive racing in a beautiful setting with great socials afterwards then it is hard to beat.

Dinghy Week at Walton and Frinton YC - photo © WFYC

Class 1 Results:

Class 2 Results:

Class 3 Results: