RYA Hornet National Championships 05/09/2009 & 06/09/2009

Sun, 13/09/2009 - 17:59 — webmaster

The Hornets descended on Herne Bay SC for their 2009 National Championships. On the Saturday, the breeze was a force 4 westerly with a wind-over-tide chop making it an excellent contest. In the first race places swapped throughout with Peter Bennett and John Shelton from Shoreham SC flying down the off-wind stages to win the first race. The Herne Bay contingent were all placed in the second half of the fleet having chosen to stay put wide on the beats whilst the leaders chose the middle of the course.

During the second race there was drama when Martin Arnison's trapeze broke. He was seen swimming to catch up with his helm, Dave Edge, who was still sailing and they still went on to take second behind the Bennett boat.

The other races carried on in similar fashion with the Peter Bennett's boat taking 5 out of 6 first places, the Edge/Arnison boat taking 2nd in all but one race. There was close racing from the Deal contingent of Mark and Eric styles proving that age is no handicap at the top of the Hornet fleet.

At one stage when the current was strong the fleet followed our own Chris Brealy inshore to keep out of the tide but they soon left him for dead once they got onto the spinnaker legs.

Some Spinnaker launching practise required from the home team and a realisation that continual competition at a high level is the only way to improve.

A great event enjoyed by all and some spectacular shots on the video.

A full race report can be seen on the Yachts and Yachting web site:
http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/?article=148532