Europe Open at Hayling Island Sailing Club

HISC Europe Open © Peter Hickson

With a growing fleet at HISC, and the opportunity of two days sailing out in the bay, there was much excitement about the Europes returning to HISC for a weekend of racing.

24 Europes eagerly launched midday on Saturday, tacking out against the tide in a light but pleasant breeze, to be met at the race course with 15 knots, waves and the O flag flying allowing free pumping downwind.

The race officer has warned us that the U flag would be flying from the start and this meant a few conservative starts, but the fleet got away cleanly each time.

Race 1 saw a crowded committee boat end and close racing throughout the fleet, Ben Harris showed all his practice over the winter had been fruitful and was flying downwind taking a comfortable race 1 win.

Race 2 started in much the same conditions, with the 'big boys' out the front, the Tweedle Brothers and Rob Wilder leading the fleet with Ben in the mix. Gareth had the biggest grin at the end of the race, leading over the line, later to be heard in the dinghy park that is was his first open meeting race win. Ben again showed us how to go downwind with speed taking 2nd.

HISC Europe Open - photo © Peter Hickson

Race 3 started in the strongest wind, now up to 20 knots with Ben leading the way followed by Gareth, Sue Ogg proved that it wasn't just a day for the big boys sailing taking 4th place just behind John Mckelvie.

Racing through out the fleet was close, with a few swims and a lot of tired but smiling faces at the end of the day. Once ashore, dinner in the club and chat about the days racing made a very pleasant evening.

HISC Europe Open - photo © Peter Hickson

Sunday brought brilliant sunshine, but a lack of wind. AP over 1 was flown to be replaced by AP over 2, but with a light but constant breeze the fleet launched at midday for a slow short tacking warm up along the beach to get out to the race area.

The breeze had settled and the race team managed to get 2 races in. It was a day for the smaller sailors with Jonny Sargent, the youngest of the fleet showing the way, taking a commanding lead in both races, Sue was hot on his heels with 2 seconds. Adam Catlow, sailing his newly acquired Europe, Ocean Rebellion, had a great race against Sue in race 5, with the 2 crossing the finishing line within seconds of each other. Behind the leaders, very close racing was had with 7 boats all battling it out in each race, John McKelvie showed great consistency in the lighter breeze with a 3rd & 4th.

Ben had done enough on day 1 to take the win, with Sue in 2nd and Gareth taking 3rd spot.

What a great weekend sailing and a fantastic warm up event for the Europe Nationals over the Jubilee weekend at the WPNSA.

The class do know of a few boats that may be able to be loaned out for the Nationals - got to the class Facebook page to post if there are still boats available to join what has to be one of the most friendly and enjoyable fleets.

Overall Results: