Bartons Salcombe Yawl Open ~ Red Fleet Report

Published 11:10 on 6 May 2026

The first Salcombe Yawl Open of the season always brings a little extra anticipation, and the 2026 Bartons Red Fleet Open over the Early May Bank Holiday did not disappoint. A strong fleet gathered at Salcombe Yacht Club, with several boats emerging in fresh livery and a few new ownership combinations keen to see how they would fare in the Red Fleet.

The format made full use of the long weekend: one race on Saturday afternoon, two back-to-back races on Sunday, and a final race on Monday morning, with three results to count.

Saturday - a wet but proper opening test

Saturday's weather did its best to dampen the early enthusiasm. A very heavy downpour arrived just as boats were being rigged, followed by persistent rain for the rest of the afternoon. More than one sailor discovered that their waterproofs may not have survived the winter quite as well as hoped.

With Race 1 coinciding with low water on a spring tide, the Race Officer set an excellent course, starting and finishing from the club line, with a trip out to Starehole Bay and two laps to Gara Rock. After a general recall and black flag, the fleet got away onto a busy first beat towards Blackstone Rocks, with plenty of early place changing.

Once past Blackstone the race began to settle. Will and Mandy Henderson (168) led the way, with Paul and Anna Rayson (178) in close pursuit. The two boats battled around the course before finishing in that order. Behind them there was plenty of movement, with Iain McGregor and Rob Adams looking well placed for a podium until gear failure ended their race. John and Katy Meadowcroft kept clear of the trouble to take third.

By the finish, a band of wet and cold sailors made rapid progress towards hot showers and dry clothes. The general consensus was that everyone was wetter than expected, if not quite wetter than a mermaid's flannel.

Sunday - classic Salcombe snakes and ladders

Sunday brought a slightly kinder forecast, with light rain, light wind and the ever-present influence of a spring tide. The racing moved into the harbour, where the combination of shifts, tidal lanes and pressure differences produced a full-on game of snakes and ladders. Post-race reports suggested that for many crews there had been rather more snakes than ladders.

Race 2 was sailed over a relatively short harbour course. Will and Mandy Henderson (168) again mastered the tricky conditions to take the win, followed by John Burn and Tris Stone (170) in second and Greg and Emily Hoar (145) in third.

Race 3 followed back-to-back. The weather had brightened, but the breeze remained light and tactical. Nick and Ann Jackson (160) nailed the start and sailed away to take a comfortable win. Behind them the racing was tight, with constant place changes before Dan Bridger (159) secured second and the Hendersons (168) added a third to their scoreline.

On Sunday evening the fleet was kindly hosted by Class Chairman Mike Knowles for his annual drinks. Much of the chatter focused on Monday's final race, with a number of teams still in contention for the podium in what had become a relatively high-scoring series.

Monday - Salcombe at its finest

Monday delivered the finale everyone had been hoping for. Blue skies returned, and as the fleet sailed out a good southerly breeze had filled in across the harbour. It was Salcombe at its best.

The race officer set a long course for the final showdown, giving the fleet a proper test. Early on, Olly Turner and Chris Skelhorn (186), together with John Burn and Tris Stone (170), looked to have broken clear. On the beat back from Saltstone, however, Will and Mandy Henderson (168) worked their way through to join the leading pair, setting up a three-boat fight for the front.

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A little way behind, David Greening and Fran Gifford (177) were locked in a close dual with Paul and Anna Rayson (178) for fourth and fifth. On the penultimate run they closed the gap to the leaders, suddenly turning the finish into a five-boat contest.

At the gun, Will and Mandy Henderson (168) took the win from John Burn and Tris Stone (170), with David Greening and Fran Gifford (177) third.

Overall

After three varied days of racing, Will and Mandy Henderson (168) were worthy overall winners. John Burn and Tris Stone (170) finished second, with Paul and Anna Rayson (178) completing the podium in third.

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As seems only right in Salcombe, prize-giving was held in sunshine, with sailors refuelling on an excellent BBQ and enjoying generous prizes from event sponsor, Bartons Solicitors.

It was a cracking start to the Red Fleet season: testing tides, close racing, good humour and the full range of bank holiday weather. Roll on the next Open, 23-25 May 2026.

 

By Paul Rayson | Photos Lucy Burn.