Horning Sailing Club's Open Regatta Week 2025

Horning Sailing Club's Regatta Week took place from 2nd-8th August, and saw its usual share of excitement and thrills during the activities.

Racing began on Saturday 2nd August, making a welcome return to Hoveton Little Broad following problems with weed on the Broad earlier in the season. Thankfully, the weed had cleared and a gentle breeze provided pleasant, if a little lively, racing at times. Sunday's racing was also held on the Broad, although in the afternoon the rain came down providing a good soaking!

Amongst the fleets, Chris Mayo started the weekend well winning the Reedling fleet in Bulrush, whilst Toby Fields sailing Tanskey (Yeomans) and Peter Brown in Rebel Rothay (Rebels) both set the tone for the week, picking up the first of several series trophies they would win over the week. Alastair Fields won the Yare & Bures in Rosy Wave, Hamish Harmer the Allcomers B fleet, and Devon Bulldeath the Allcomers B fleet. The cruiser fleet was won by Peter Goshawk sailing Grayling.

Horning Sailing Club Regatta Week - photo © Holly Hancock

Monday morning dawned breezy and the wind picked up during the day. The River Bure outside the Clubhouse was packed with dinghies during the morning races, with a fantastic turnout, albeit capsizes aplenty throughout the day. As the winds increased, more and more boats added reefs to their sails before racing was abandoned due to the gusty conditions and following an incident in the river cruiser fleet resulting in a dismasting.

During the evening, the Club welcomed Jane Varcoe back from her epic adventure cycling from London to Paris, via Europe back to Regatta Week - in the process covering over 500 miles and raising funds for both Horning Sailing Club and the Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

Tuesday was another blustery day but an adaptation to the race programme meant that racing went ahead, with dinghy and keelboat fleets separated. With the line run by Snowflake Sailing Club, the conditions kept everyone on their toes, but some brilliant and exhilarating races were enjoyed.

Wednesday saw the line run by Norfolk Broads Yacht Club and, in complete contrast to the previous two days, much lighter winds - so much so that the lunchtime race ended up being quite a marathon (in terms of length) given the diminishing breeze! The afternoon also saw rearranged races from Monday evening, including the Officers' Trophy won by Paul Clarke in Yeoman Two C Sons.

Horning Sailing Club Regatta Week - photo © Holly Hancock

Special trophies sailed for also included the Junior Trophy won by Jasmine Herring in her Laser, and the Braithwaite Cup for Services and ex-Services won by Ron Jackson in Holly Blue.

Thursday was the Horning Town Open Regatta, with sailors racing not only for glory but silver spoons for first, second and third place, a tradition dating back many years. With the winds picking up again it was an eventful day's racing, but well enjoyed by those participating. It felt particularly busy on the water, with the strongest turnout of the week including some ten Yare & Bures.

Numerous trophies were competed for, but the lunchtime race saw results across the entire series lead to a winner on handicap - the Second Horning Challenge Cup won by Edward Wildman sailing his Laser.

The evening Water Babies race for helm under 18 and crew under 21 was, as always, hotly contended for in a range of keelboats - won by Ollie Means sailing Yare & Bure Painted Jezebel.

Painted Jezebel - Horning Sailing Club Regatta Week - photo © Holly Hancock

The Horning Challenge Cup is a special award presented by the Regatta President for outstanding performance on Horning Town Open Regatta Day, this year going to Tilly Coston who persevered in her Topper despite numerous capsizes.

The lunchtime Waterman's Race for the Yachtbuilders Challenge Cup, for those regularly employed in the boating industry, saw Jack Barnham retain this in his Yare & Bure Peacock, whilst the lunchtime Cruiser race for the Crystal Salver was won by Phil Montague in Pickle.

Finally, Friday saw the calmest conditions of the week and warm sunshine. With on the water activities still going strong, sailors kept going until the evening - the Mary Cup for Novices in fixed keels was won by Katie Burr in Reedling Jaws, whilst the Bullard Cup for junior helms was won by Jasmine Herring in her Laser.

Horning Sailing Club Regatta Week - photo © Holly Hancock

Regatta Weekend Trophies:

Single Race Trophies:

Series Trophies: