It was 'possibly the best day's sailing of the year' the vice commodore said as he stepped off his boat, with 25 degree heat and a Force 4/5 wind providing a welcome change for sailors at Horning Sailing Club.

After the last downriver race was postponed on Easter Monday due to damp, drizzly, cold weather, the turnaround in conditions was quite remarkable. A mixed fleet of four sailing Cruisers, six Yeomans, two Rebels, two YBODs and a Reedling made their way downriver on a reaching and beating course, making it from the start at Woods Dyke to Thurne in a little over an hour.

The Cruiser downriver race was won by Robert Harris crewed by Julia Bower in Rushmere, whilst the remainder of the fleet sailed a closely fought Allcomers race, with only a few minutes separating the entire fleet.

It was won by Geoff Stubb's Yeoman Tara, crewed by Jack Barnham, ahead of Kevin Edwards crewed by Ellie Edwards and Roger Pettit, with Phil Storey crewed by father Rodney coming third in Rebel Rascal.

By the return leg the wind had picked up with some strong gusts, which caught some competitors unaware but, shortly after the race began, the tide turned, to be with the sailors returning to Horning.

Unusually, the race began by sailing from Thurne to Clippesby, before returning all the way to the Clubhouse to finish.

The conditions forced three retirements, but the remainder of the fleet enjoyed the sailing.

First boat home was Peter Goshawk's River Cruiser Swallow, which remained first cruiser on handicap. First allcomer home was Kevin Edward's Yeoman, although on handicap this was beaten by Clive Gardner's YBOD, with Geoff Stubbs third.

For the next few weeks, HSC is looking forward to a busy time ahead.

OnBoard activity begins this week, next Saturday sees their Pursuit race and Spring Social, and the Training Centre opens its doors on Thursday, May 3.

Saturday, May 5 sees the Club run its popular 'Try Sailing' sessions as part of the Horning Boat Show and RYA's Push the Boat Out, with their new 'Sundown Series' of Saturday evening sailing beginning on 12 May. For more information head to www.horning-sailing.club.