30th Annual Broadland Youth Regatta at Horning Sailing Club

30th Broadland Youth Regatta at Horning Sailing Club

In its 30th year, the Norfolk & Suffolk Boating Association’s (NSBA) Broadland Youth Regatta was successfully hosted at Horning Sailing Club (HSC) on the Norfolk Broads on Saturday, 31st August 2024. This significant event attracted 99 young sailors competing in 88 boats from 8 Broadland clubs. Participants ranged from novices to experienced sailors, all under the age of 19.

HSC, located on a small island along the River Bure in Horning, faced a logistical challenge with the sheer number of boats. The sight of the island surrounded by various dinghies—including Optimists, RS Fevas, Toppers, and Lasers—was remarkable. In order to accommodate all participants, the racing format was adjusted, splitting fleets to sail on both the river and Hoveton Little Broad, allowing the young sailors to experience different conditions.

Initially, strong winds were anticipated for the afternoon, but it turned out that the morning brought significant gusts, leading to several capsizes and retirements among the fleet. The more experienced sailors on the Broad raced in Lasers, RS Fevas, Splashes, and other faster dinghies, while the 33-strong fleet of Toppers and a slower handicap fleet of Optimists and RS Teras enjoyed a quieter experience on the river.

Throughout the day, some sailors recorded upwards of 20 capsizes, but there was a shared sense of accomplishment. There were also lighthearted moments, such as during the final Laser race when a boat capsized at the finish line, taking the buoy with it—a situation that required quick thinking from the Race Officer to manage.

Among individual results, Hamish Harmer from HSC claimed victory in the Allcomers B Fleet sailing a Splash, with Sam Johnson and Freya Welham from Beccles Amateur Sailing Club (BASC) coming in second in a Firefly. The top 6 positions in the Allcomers C Fleet were dominated by Waveney & Oulton Broad Yacht Club (WOBYC), with Will Keys-Batson winning in an Optimist, followed by Isaac Thomas and Hugh Walker.

In the Laser fleet, rivalry was high between siblings Ellie and Tom Thwaites, with Ellie of Snowflake Sailing Club (SFSC) ultimately winning on countback despite Tom’s stunning recovery from a capsize to win the third race. Henry Weymss from SFSC took third.

Due to the large number of entrants, Toppers raced in two flights, with Jenson Jakob of SFSC emerging victorious with three wins. Nate Sparrow from WOBYC secured second place, followed by Isobelle Johnson from BASC.

At the event’s conclusion, WOBYC won the overall first-place team, earning the Centenary Salver. SFSC and HSC were tied in points, with SFSC taking second on countback and HSC following closely in third.

The Lady Mayhew Trophy, awarded for demonstrating the greatest effort in the spirit of sport and fun, went to Chevvy Bulldeath from HSC, sailing his first Regatta in a Topper. The Whelpton Cup, awarded to the most successful double-handed boat, was claimed by Sam Johnson and Freya Welham of BASC sailing their Firefly.

Overall, the regatta proved to be a challenging yet rewarding experience for these young sailors. They had the opportunity to push themselves, try new things, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with such events, embodying the spirit of sailing.

A big thank you is extended to all volunteers who contributed to the day and our generous sponsors: Norfolk Yacht Agency (NYA), the University of East Anglia (UEA), Jeckells and Son Ltd, BeWILDerwood, Herbert Woods, Onboard, UEA Sailing/Sportspark, and Heat Different.

Find full fleet results here and team results here.