The 15 boats competing were subject to a very well run championship by Shoreham SC and shared with the National 12s. The first day was quickly blown off with reports of 50 knot gusts on Worthing pier.
The racing got going on a suitably windy Sunday – undeterred by first race nerves (obviously a Hornet is more sedate than a 29er!) Jac Bailey & Morgan Rogers did a port tack flyer crossing the fleet by a few lengths. Unfortunately they went backwards as the race went on – more on that later!
The race results were a bit of an omen of what was to follow – Nathan Batchelor & Sam Pascoe led from start to finish with a close battle behind where Terry Curtis & Gavin Poullion finished ahead of the recently refurbished boat raced by locals Will McGrath & new crew John White.
Good to see previous Hornet champion Will making a return to the fleet in a borrowed boat, showing he hasn’t lost his touch and recruiting a new crew to the Hornet class.
The second race had a port bias again with Justin Jones & Chris Anderson firing out on port tack. In race three, Hornet boat building master Tim Coombe despite his apparent long lead times, tried to add his own boat onto the job sheet with a tussle with Michael McNamara!
Despite the blistering start in race one, little was seen of youngsters Jac & Morgan – it transpires they were slowly sinking!
Back ashore the Hornet class camaraderie was apparent, event leader Sam Pascoe grabbed a grinder and ably assisted with materials & consumables from Terry Curtis had the boat stuck back together ready for racing the next day.
The second day of racing became more full on than the first – getting back into the harbour after racing was best described as fresh to frightening! Plenty of acrobatics were evident as crews were wiped off the gunnel with increasing sea state as the tide turned. 2 boats finished the day with no capsizing!
The final day of racing was picture perfect – a warm building breeze with fully powered reaches and less scared faces! Some different faces popped out at the sharp end of the fleet with Michael McNamara & Harry Chatterton and Jac Bailey & Morgan Rogers (now floating much higher) getting well stuck in.
A number of excellent photos were taken by Warwick Pictures, see www.warwickpics.co.uk/portfolio?viewcategory=102
A productive class meeting was held during the regatta, with eyes firmly on the classes 75th anniversary next year with the National Championships to be held at Stone Sailing Club between Thursday 8th and Sunday 11th July 2027.
Shoreham Sailing Club use the strapline ‘the home of real sea sailing’ and the Hornet class wholeheartedly agree! A big thanks for all the many volunteers from SSC who put on a terrific event for the Hornet class.
Overall Results:
2026 Champions – Nathan Batchelor & Sam Pascoe – Tynemouth SC
2nd place overall – Terry Curtis & Gavin Poulloin – Castle Cove SC
3rd place overall – Will McGrath & John White – Shoeham SC
Junior National Champions – Jace Bailey & Morgan Rogers – Port Dinorwic SC/Clwb Hwylio Y Felinheli