61st Yachtmaster Insurance Three Rivers Race this weekend

 After a triumphant return to the Broads Calendar in 2021, Horning Sailing Club's Flagship Event - the 61st Yachtmaster Insurance Three Rivers Race is due to take place this weekend (28th/29th May). With over 100 entrants expected to participate, it should be a great event for both sailors and spectators alike.

Excitement is building ahead of Saturday's race, with competitors due to start from Horning Sailing Club, situated in the heart of the picturesque village of Horning, to race through the winding rivers of the Broads. The route will encompass four turning points on the 50+ mile course, which can be sailed in any order, dependent on tides and wind conditions, the decision being a tactical one, which can make or break the race. The turning points include Ludham Bridge on the River Ant, South Walsham on the River Bure, under Acle Bridge to a rounding point usually between Stokesby and the Stracey Arms Windpump, and beyond Potter Heigham Bridge on the River Thurne to a buoy on Hickling Broad.

With some 100 boats taking part, from traditional Broads sailing cruisers to keelboats including Yares & Bures, Rebels and Yeomans, craft range from a 14 foot Norfolk Dinghy to an imposing Thames A Rater with its huge towering rig, standing at 45 foot tall, it is a true spectacle. Excitement is usually found at the bridges, where boats lower their masts to paddle under, some opting to "shoot" the bridges, meaning that they leave it until the last second to drop the mast. Seen as one of the 'must do' sailing events, and named by the Sport and Recreation Alliance as one of the top 10 mass participation events in 2013, sailors descend on Horning from all across the UK, with participants this year from the South Coast, Lancashire and the North East.

With sunshine and a fresh breeze forecast, conditions should be lively with plenty of excitement - some will be hoping to make it back to Horning before dark, but for most they will be out all night - experiencing the magic of the Broads at dusk and dawn. If you cannot make it to see the Race in person, you can view all the action via webcams on the Horning Sailing Club website, horning-sailing.club/webcams