Entries are now rolling in for the Hornet Championship to be held from 29th August to 1st September. This popular south coast club is probably better known for its Merlin infestation, but Shoreham has a long history in Hornet racing, the boat almost being designed for open sea racing and lovely waves.
Several boats have come out of the woodwork for the championship, and many have undergone renovation and conversion to the new layout. FRP, epoxy and wooden boats compete on an even keel and many past champions are expected to attend, such as Michael Macnamara, Dick Garry, Terry Curtis, Chris Bines and even Strangler with his aptly named epoxy machine "Dog's Pollocks" (you have to see the colour scheme to understand!). Current champion Nathan Batchelor is also slated to defend his title.
A full programme of events is planned, including a black tie dinner at Sussex YC - I may have fibbed a bit about the black, and almost certainly about the tie, but a bigly event is planned. After all, Sussex YC was the venue where Terry Wade's Hornet was put on top of a wooden pile in the harbour and was subsequently found six metres above the mud at low tide.
Sheltered launching is from the new slipway in the harbour at any state of the tide, and on turning right, you'll find some of the best sea sailing in the country. The tides are nice and simple. The water goes one way, and, er, then goes the other way, and spring tides have been organised for the weekend. This also means that the tide is in for the families to enjoy the lovely beach at the club and enjoy a bit of paddleboarding and general splashing about. You can even partake of a sauna which is now in the club grounds.
Free camping on site is available - subject to availability, so get your entry in sooner rather than later, and we'll be sharing the venue with the National 12s with their very short and bonkers boats, ensuring a great vibe. Of course, being close to Brighton, a veritable plethora of accommodation, available through the normal online sites along with entertainment options for the yoofs.
Entry is open at members.shorehamsailing.org/event/1349765 so don't delay. Take advantage of the early entry reduction and bagsie your camping now!
The championships will be generously sponsored by Exe Sails & Covers.
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