Hornet Open at Maldon Yacht Club

Nine Hornet's were blessed with strong winds over the weekend of 2/3 of October at Maldon in Essex, an event ressurected after 10 years of abscence due to an increased fleet at the home club.

Seven boats braved the elements for race one to provide some lively and entertaining sailing. Every team managed a capsize in race one, with local brothers Ian and Richard Marshall showing the visitors the way around the course, until the last mark, when it was their turn to fall, allowing Kevin Burt and Barry Miller (Netley) through to take line honours from the Marshall brothers and Malcolm and Katy Woodland (Thorpe Bay).

Only four boats returned for race two, which started in a force 5 but decreased to a patchy force 2, frustrating those who decided to have an early shower. Burt drifted home ahead of the Marshall's with Strangler and Simon Evance finishing third. Saturday's entertainment in the club house included a curry prepared by Adrian 'Bombay' Moss and cocktails provided by Andy 'Beaker' Appleby, who's latest concoction 'Maldon Mud Slide' went down extremely well.

The expected gales on Sunday did not arrive and the kindly wind invited all boats to get afloat. Dave and Fran Wood (Stone)led race three until a rounding mistake allowed Dean Saxton and Rob Smith (Maldon)through. It was nip and tuck all the way to the finish line with Wood and Saxton exchanging places several times. Saxton eventually took the gun from the wood's and the Marshall's.

The Wood's led race four from start to finish. Saxton managed to hold off the attack from Burt to finish second, Burt doing enough to take the event.

Overall Results: