HSSC RNSA 2025 Wednesday Night Spring Series Race 1 Results
Published 23:21 on 7 Apr 2025
By Dan Murphy:
A blustery 16-20knots of wind, gusting the occasional high twenties greeted the skippers and crews for the first race of the Hornet Spring Series. With a high number of DNC prior to the start, just 6 boats arrived to the start line, Jetpack, Challenger, Spectrum and Spirit of Kudu competing in the IRC fleet, as well as HMS Collingwoods Sea Nymph and singlehanded Avanami for the new YTC fleet.
A change to the historic norm with a windward start from Gilkicker West to East into the prevalent Easterly winds, caused a few issues for some with Challenger and Spirit of Kudu finding themselves OCS thanks to a cheeky back eddy just off the beach. With all boats eventually clear of the line Jetpack led the beat to Gleeds, tailed by Challenger, Spirit of Kudu, Spectrum, Avanami and Sea Nymph.
Rounding the mark, spinnakers deployed as Jetpack, Challenger and Spectrum deployed their kites. With the winds easing the remainder of the fleet opted to retain their white sails.
The long run down to North Sturbridge enabled Sea Nymph to recover much ground lost during the beat, whilst the fleet positions remained unchanged. From North Sturbridge the fleet headed west out to Kemps Quay before turning North for Warsash Sailing Club.
The pack remained close throughout, with Jetpack rounding Warsash Sailing Club first, and crossing the line, followed closely by Challenger just 36 seconds behind, Spectrum crossed the line 6 minutes later, tailed just 90 seconds after her by Spirit of Kudu. The battle for YTC was won by Avanami, crossing the line 4 minutes later, followed by Sea Nymph another 3 minutes later.
From a fleet comprising of JPK, First 40, Impala, Sigma, singlehanders and a Starlight 36, just 17 minutes separated the first and last boat, over an hours racing and 5.5nm.
The Hornet Wednesday night race is a fantastic club friendly opportunity to take part in relaxed and fun racing. Whether on your own boat or as crew for a Hornet members boat or a RNSA boat for RNSA members. If you would like to get involved the Race Committee will do all they can to ensure you get afloat and have fun. There are boats with available crew positions next week, so please feel free to reach out to racing@hornetservicessailing.org.uk to be put in touch, or post on the crew available area of the Hornet Website.
Last updated 23:41 on 7 April 2025