Bartons Early May Yawl Open ~ Red Fleet Report

Published 10:25 on 8 May 2025

There was a buzz in the air, — not the newest, but the most recently finished Yawl, 186 Battlecry, was finally hitting the water in time for the Bartons Early May Yawl Open. Y186 is a true thing of beauty,  so much so that pontoon etiquette messages were shared prior to launching, no doubt in the hope of preserving her immaculate state for as long as possible.

Fresh from promotion out of the Blue Fleet, Olly Turner and Chris Skelhorn (somewhat lighter, financially) would finally get to see how they stacked up against the best of the best—the Top Gun of yawl sailing, if you will: the Red Fleet.

Spoiler Alert: This was not Will and Mandy Hendersons first rodeo. There was little to no chance theyd be intimidated or distracted, despite Battlecrys best efforts.

Unfortunately, my own performance was somewhat disappointing, out of character even, but more than likely down to the sheer quality of the 17-strong fleet. The knock-on effect is that the detail in my report will be lacking, and potentially inaccurate at times, as I cruised around the rear end of the fleet (in good company, I might add).

Race 1

Phil King and John Sleep led off the line as the fleet worked their way up through the moorings and into Yalton Creek, where navigation was key. If you strayed too far out of the ever-shrinking channel, youd rapidly find yourself firmly aground. Im glad to report that all safely made it in and out of the creek, and King/Sleep had what looked like an unassailable lead. However, the breeze softened and the fleet compressed, allowing the Hendersons to overhaul King/Sleep on the beat, with Turner/Skelhorn finishing in third.

Races 2 & 3

Day two was dominated by Will and Mandy Henderson. They put in another assured performance, one we in the Red Fleet have the pleasure of witnessing a little too often for my liking. They secured two bullets and, with that, retained their title and trophy for another year.

Alistair Morley and Charles Thompson put in a strong performance, bagging a second and a third. Paul and Julie Rayson climbed onto the third step of the podium in Race 2, while Nick and Anne Jackson secured second place in Race 3.

The mixed results on day two meant that several teams went into the final day with a chance of claiming the remainder of the prizes.

Race 4

A windy, sunny morning with little current to speak of provided perfect conditions for the final day.

With the Hendersons opting to sit this one out, not needing to race, others had a rare chance to sample the sweet taste of victory. The race was tight, with multiple teams taking their turn at the front of the fleet, but Im pleased to report that all Chris and Ollys hard work (and money) was rewarded. They fought off the fleet to seize Battlecrys first of what will no doubt be many victories.

This was an important result for them, not only did it justify Chriss decision to bring this boat to water, but it meant they finished second overall on count back from King/Sleep and Morley/Thompson, with all three tied on points.

By John Burn | Photos Lucy Burn