Leader Open at Hickling Broad Sailing Club

5 visiting Leaders joined the 2 local boats at Hickling Broad SC for a glorious two day open event on 15 – 16 May. The weather conditions and warm welcome made for an excellent start to the 2004 open series.

Saturday’s racing took the form of two passage races - to Potter Heigham Bridge and back - in warm sunshine and a gentle breeze.

Chris and Jane Wharmby led the fleet for much of the outward race, but local team, Andy Hobson and daughter Ruth, took them by surprise on the final straight and moved into the lead. Just before the line, the Wharmbys caught a last puff of wind and sneaked ahead, crossing the line half a boat length ahead of the Hobsons. Mike Fitzgerald and Tim Dormer were a close third.

After lunch, and suitably refreshed, the crews left Potter Heigham for the homeward passage. The Broomfield family, newcomers to the fleet - sailing ‘four-up’ in their Leader – were first over the line, alongside Paul and Harold Tinworth, also competing in their first LCOA event. After much jostling for position in the narrow river, Andy and Ruth Hobson pulled away from the fleet, along with the Morris family (4 + Bramble, the Springer Spaniel!) and both boats establishing a substantial lead, with the Hobsons taking line honours back at Hickling.

Sunday’s racing was in traditional ‘round the cans’ format. Mike and Val Sherwen arrived on Sunday and promptly won the first Sunday race. The Wharmbys won Race 2, leaving the final race to decide the overall outcome. The Wharmbys and Hobsons were neck-and-neck in Race 3 with some exciting, close spinnaker reaches. Wharmby won by a few boat lengths.

Overall Results: