Streaker P&B Northern Paddle Open at Hornsea Sailing Club

Hornsea SC on the east coast of Yorkshire welcomed 13 Streakers to the Mere for the first Pinnell & Bax sponsored Northern Paddle Meeting of 2021. Although the forecast was for rain and a light breeze from the South East, what we got was a force 3-4 gusting more and sunshine.

Race 1. The fleet of Streakers got away 1st time from a slightly biased to the committee boat end line. Alan Gillard (Sheffield Viking) was 1st to the windward mark followed by Martin Penty (Beaver). Alan and Martin disappeared from the rest of the fleet to have their own private battle, Alan leading until the final lap Martin taking line honours. Behind Phil Priestley (Yorkshire Dales) was having his own battle with young gun Giles Therkelson-Smith (Welton), not a boat length between them as they crossed the line.

Streakers at Hornsea - photo © Charlie Cartwright

After lunch Races 2 and 3 were sailed back-to-back. A change of course added a few extra marks, which just meant we had even more reaching (certainly entertaining as the wind was increasing) but the same up-wind leg as in race 1. Only 2 laps were sailed around this longer course. The wind had shifted left making the beat very one sided. Alan led for the 1st lap before again Martin came through to claim the win. Giles getting the better of Phil this time to take 3rd.

Race 3 and the Race Officer reverted to the course as in race 1. This change strangely did not improve the 1-sided beat, Martin this time lead from start to finish. Alan held on to 2nd although Giles was having his moments.

Streakers at Hornsea - photo © Charlie Cartwright

It was great to be back on the water sailing again and at a club as friendly as Hornsea. The weather played its part allowing the sailors to stretch their legs on the upwind legs and have a blast downwind on the reaches. Many thanks to Hornsea SC for a great day's sailing, to the RO and his team and all the volunteers helping the launch and recovery of boats.

Overall Results: