Please select your home edition
Edition
Armstrong 728x90 - Performance Mast Range - TOP

Norfolk Punt Club Punt Open

by Alan Davis 1 Jul 2019 23:09 PDT 29-30 June 2019
Norfolk Punt Club Punt Open © Robin Myerscough

What have Morrison, Hardchine, Traditional & Individual got in common? Sunshine, good winds, large amounts of water and a chance to play at what they do best.

A fleet of a dozen Norfolk Punts of all ages were let loose in great conditions this weekend to show their mettle in the NPC Punt Open on Barton Broad and boy were they tested.

Using all the buoys at their disposal the Officers of the Day (both days manned by John and Anne Friend and Simon and Anne Girling) sent them to every corner of Norfolk's second largest broad and after five hard races over two days I'm sure the helms and their crews slept well on Sunday night.

Whooper, having travelled back "home" from the North, was the fastest bird over the water, well out in front of the fleet but on handicap a short neck behind the traditional punt Decoy, with the rest of the fleet constantly changing places. Spectators flocked to see the show and who could not resist a smile as the punts reached on the plane in warm if gusty winds and bright sunshine?

An excellent series over the two days. Well done to all.

Overall Results: (top three)

1st Decoy, Simon & Rachel Clayton
2nd Golden Eye, Dick Roe & Kate Dulieu
3rd Rushlight, Elisa Bolton & Caroline Dixey

With the Punts heading home for an early bath at Sunday lunchtime (late for some dippers) the broad was open for club racing.

Catherine Watson, otherwise engaged this weekend, had primed Paul with a race plan - get in front and stay in front - which worked in the first series. In the second, however, he failed to follow the rest of the good advice - remember the course, and don't hit the buoys... classic.

Club Racing Results:

Series I
1st Honeycomb, P. Watson & many others as ballast
2nd Yeoman 119, I.Thompson

Series II
1st White Wave 40, Amanda Davis, William Glover & Alan Davis
2nd Yeoman 119, Anne Friend & Ian Thompson
3rd Honeycomb 135, Paul Watson, Alison Glover & Carol Watson

Related Articles

Three Rivers Race bridge mast drop compilation!
Horning Sailing Club's event is iconic for many reasons The Yachtmaster Insurance Three Rivers Race at Horning Sailing Club is an iconic event for many reasons. The most unique scenes are at the bridges, where the sailors have to drop their masts and row underneath, often leaving it to the very last minute. Posted on 10 Jun
64th Yachtmaster Three Rivers Race
Strong tides guaranteed that none of the 108 boats finished before nightfall The 64th Yachtmaster Insurance Three Rivers Race began from Horning Sailing Club on Saturday 31st May, with conditions a stark contrast to the 2024 race, which had seen near record course times. Posted on 2 Jun
Norfolk Punt Club Sunday Club Racing
Thurne Mouth regatta depletes usual fleet The combination of the Thurne Mouth regatta and a blustery forecast reduced numbers to a small select fleet for Sunday racing at the Norfolk Punt Club. The day was largely sunny and warm with occasional grey clouds and one or two showers. Posted on 28 May
64th Yachtmaster Three Rivers Race Preview
119 competitors make their way to Horning on the Norfolk Broads for the iconic race The scene is set for the 64th Yachtmaster Insurance Three Rivers Race taking place this weekend (31st May/1st June) as some 119 competitors make their way to Horning on the Norfolk Broads for the start of the ultimate inland endurance challenge. Posted on 26 May
Norfolk Punt Club Sunday Club Racing
Uninspiring weather forecast discourages many from venturing out onto the Broad A very uninspiring weather forecast discouraged many from venturing out onto the Broad, however, those that did enjoyed a great day. Posted on 21 May
Gillard & Gray take Merlin victory in the Tiger
Finally almost perfect conditions in the Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series Even when they switch from the Scorpion to the Merlin Rocket, Tom Gillard and Rachael Gray come out on top of a 110-boat fleet at a mostly mild and benign Tiger Trophy on Rutland Water... Posted on 5 Feb
Teenagers shunt vintage Punt to Gallop victory
Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series event won by Edward Clifford and Alex Standley Two 18-year-olds, Edward Clifford and Alex Standley, sailed their 66-year-old Norfolk Punt to victory at a very light-airs Magic Marine King George Gallop last Saturday. This is one of the youngest teams combined with the oldest boat. Posted on 20 Jan
Norfolk Punt Athene Cup
Boundary calls, moving marks and marginal gains not limited to just Barcelona Boundary calls, moving marks, over 100 years of innovation and incremental development, marginal gains and custom sail wardrobes, are not limited to fleets of 2 or 6 in Barcelona at this time of year. Posted on 9 Oct 2024
End of Season at the Norfolk Punt Club
Last club race for Punts, YBODs and Yeomans This Sunday saw the last day of club racing at the Norfolk Punt Club on Barton Broad. The race programme on the final Sunday is flexible although usually includes a pursuit races. Posted on 2 Oct 2024
Barton Regatta 2024 at the Norfolk Punt Club
Over 150 boats gather for the three day event August bank holiday weekend saw competitors returning again to Barton Broad and the Norfolk Punt Club for the historic Barton Regatta. Posted on 30 Aug 2024
Selden 2020 - FOOTERV-DRY-XBarton Marine Pipe Glands