Sailing Club Series, R2 - Short-Race Handicap.

Published 12:07 on 5 May 2026

Typical, the Bank Holiday weather set the scene for the second instalment of the Sailing Clubs Short-Race Handicap Series: torrential rain, a light easterly breeze, and the tide at the bottom of a spring tide.

Despite the conditions, seven intrepid sailors made it to the start. Among them was a guest appearance from rising star Frankie Burn, who found himself available as his regular Merlin Rocket helm was competing in the Yawl Open Meeting. Seizing the opportunity, Frankie borrowed a club Laser and joined the fleet.

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Race Officer Roger Guess set a compact course of 3-1-3-2, sparing competitors the two-mile downwind slog out to sea assigned to the other fleets.

Andrew Groves made a strong start, taking an early lead from Frankie, with Venetia Andrews and Emily Hoar close behind. As the race unfolded, Frankie—clearly benefiting from time spent crewing for some of the clubs top sailors—began to reel Andrew in.

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However, drama struck at the final mark when Frankies rudder came off during the rounding. The mishap dashed his chances of victory, allowing Andrew to sail on unchallenged to the finish. Venetia capitalised to take second place, while Frankie recovered to secure third.

By J.Burn | Photos L.Burn