Hornet Open during the 2014 River Exe Regatta

Hornet at the River Exe Regatta © Mike Rice / www.fotoboat.com

Hornet at the River Exe Regatta © Mike Rice / www.fotoboat.com

Raffle prize wins open meeting

Ten boats contested the Hornet Open meeting at the Exe Regatta hosted by Topsham sailing club. The fleet had their own start and competed for the Hornet Open Door Trophy, first presented in 1961. The forecast was for very light winds but the sea breeze kicked in to give trapezing winds and wall to wall sunshine on both days.

In the first race local sailors Dick Garry and Matt McGrath led for two laps but were slowly reeled in by Strangler and Pippa Rogers sporting new sails including a main won in a class raffle donated by Exe Sails and Covers. Tim Coombe and James Beer were third. Some of the fleet were a bit keen on the second start, three boats having to restart. Dick Garry led all the way to take the gun from Tim Coombe who recovered well after his restart. Dave Edge and Martin Arnison were getting back into Hornet mode after playing with other classes and finished third.

The last race of the day was recalled because of timing issues which put us to the back of the queue. Unfortunately Dick Garry had been mesmerised by the antics of the first start and mistimed his restart. Strangler led all the way to take the gun. The race officer sensibly shortened the course as the sun was over the yardarm by now. Will McGrath and Sam Woolner showed their improving speed to take second. Saturday evening was the usual excellent meal and live music in the picturesque setting of Topsham SC.

Sunday consisted of just one pursuit race for the whole regatta fleet of over ninety entries. Will and Sam were the early leaders in the Hornets but by the second mark Toby Barsley-Dale and Josh Arnison were leading from Strangler and Pippa. The long course which included keeping navigation marks on their correct side threw up a few curve balls. Much of the fleet had to contend with two Navy patrol boats weaving their way slowly down channel through the race. Avoiding the dirty wind was the major factor. After an hour Tim Coombe, Will McGrath and Strangler were having a close race at the front until Tim and Will had to return to a missed gate. This let Dick Garry through to second.

Overall Results: