Yeoman John H Wilson Trophy at Norfolk Broads Yacht Club
by Frances & Michael Holmes 3 Jul 2023 17:22 NZST
24-25 June 2023
Positioning during the Norfolk Broads Yeoman Open © Bruce Cairns /
www.brucecairns.com
The weather was definitely 'Hot Hot Hot' and the racing raised the temperature a few extra degrees as twelve Yeoman took to the water of a blissful looking Wroxham Broad.
The predicted westerly wind made course setting challenging but as it turned southerly it enabled the spinnakers to fly the length of the Broad providing a colourful panorama. Paul and Janet Barker in Brandy Bottle capitalised on their good start and kept ahead of the field as conditions changed from good to almost no wind on the final lap. Roger and Carrie Hannant in Firefly worked hard to catch up but eventually had to settle for second whilst Mark and Melissa in Gremlin III took third place. With little wind the race officer had little choice but to abandon racing for the day and reschedule the remaining three races to Sunday.
Sunday was even hotter but there was plenty of wind for everyone from the south/south east - although it was inconsistent and changeable. Again, Janet and Paul took an early lead but this time Roger and Carrie were never far behind and so the tussle continued until eventually Paul steered Brandy Bottle over the line just ahead of Firefly with Andrew and Daphne Musgrave third in Revolution.
At the start of the third race the wind started to build. Roger and Carrie in Firefly took a commanding lead which they held on to the finish with Brandy Bottle second and Chris and Paul Bolton third in Aquamarine. This meant that the series remained undecided as Roger and Carrie could take the cup if they won the last race.
By now the wind had considerably built making for challenging conditions. Paul and Janet led from the first and with the Hannants and Boltons battling for second and third place they were soon able to establish a commanding lead which they held to the end. Meanwhile the Bolton brothers held off the Hannants to take second.
And so at the end of an exciting weekend, Paul and Janet emerged victorious, with the Hannants second and the Boltons third. All were deserving of their places.
Congratulations to the winners but also to all involved. As always there was competition throughout the fleet and it was particularly pleasing to see some of our newer fleet members out enjoying themselves in what were challenging conditions on a beautiful Wroxham Broad.
A brilliant weekend was enjoyed by all.