6th June - Interclub Special Event - hosted by Staunton Harold Sailing Club

Published 10:38 on 10 Jun 2026

Saturday's Interclub Challenge between Swarkestone Sailing Club, Burton Sailing Club and hosts SHSC, got underway in a lively south-southeasterly breeze of around 1215 knots, with gusts reaching close to 20 knots. OOD, MJ, set competitors off the start line on a challenging, shifty beat up to 5.

Staunton sailor, John (Zenith), was a little too eager at the start and was forced to return and restart after being over the line.

Meanwhile Swarkestone's Sam Hirst (Phantom), quickly established a lead and steadily extended his advantage around the course to take the on-the-water victory. After the handicap calculations were applied, however, Staunton's Mark Harris (ILCA 6) took the race win.

After a break for lunch, the final races were sailed back to back.

Race two saw similar conditions to race one, with the breeze still holding at around 1215 knots and gusting close to 20 knots. Once again, Sam (Phantom) got away well and led from the front, chased throughout by John (Zenith). This time it was John who emerged victorious after handicaps were applied.

There was plenty of drama elsewhere in the fleet. Darren and Chris (SHSC), sailing their RS200, missed a mark and were forced to retrace their steps, while SHSC's Lol and Ann (RS200) suffered a spectacular capsize with the spinnaker hoisted, taking some time to recover and get back underway.

The first start of race three saw the fleet a little too enthusiastic, resulting in a general recall. The OOD threatened to reach for the black flag, but fortunately kept it in reserve.

By the restart, the wind had eased significantly, dropping to less than five knots with some major shifts across the course. SHSC crews Lol and Ann, John and Darren and Chris found themselves locked in a close battle on the beat to the windward mark, with Lol rounding first.

The SHSC boats then proceeded to get in each other's way, whilst Sam (Phantom) slipped through and once again took the lead. He went on to secure line honours for the third consecutive race, completing a clean sweep of on-the-water victories. After handicaps were applied, Staunton's Tim Gray (Solo), took the race win.

Overall individual honours went to Mark Harris (SHSC) in first place, with Sam Hirst (Swarkestone SC) second and John (SHSC) third. John secured the final podium position on countback, narrowly edging SHSC's Stevie Graham (Streaker) into fourth place.

In the Interclub Challenge team competition, the Tripartite Cup honours went to SHSC, Swarkestone Sailing Club finished second, and Burton Sailing Club, despite being unable to attend, retained third place.

Thanks go to MJ for serving as PRO, ably assisted by Nicky, together with all the safety teams and galley crews. Their efforts helped make it an excellent day's racing and an enjoyable event both on and off the water.

Last updated 10:45 on 10 June 2026