Competitions Articles
Victory can often come from the most unexpected places. In the case of the Yare and Bure Open Sailing Weekend at Horning Sailing Club, it was a family unit that sailed away with the top prize. With gusty breezes and varying wind directions, the championship demanded all that competitors had to offer.
Richie and Flip Dugdale, accompanied by their children Alfie and Henry aged one and three, emerged triumphant after participating in all five gruelling races. The scene was a stirring reminder of the significant role family can play in achieving remarkable feats, despite firm competition.
With the championship attracting eight boats, including sailors like Simon Daniels from Barton and Martin Thompson from Wroxham, the challenge was indeed intense. Yet, the Dugdale family sailed with exceptional skill and determination over the two days. The family’s performance was extraordinary on both days, only slipping to second position in one race.
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a regatta. Add to this a stunning seaside locale in the heart of France and you have the richly interlaced narrative of the 56th Semaine Olympique Française de Hyères. This yearly sailing spectacle was another riveting display of gallantry, sportsmanship, and peerless maritime prowess. The azure Mediterranean, acting as a perfect dramatic backdrop, was home once again to a symphony of sails flitting in step with the unforgiving ocean winds.
From day one, the event was characterized by fierce competition but equally strong camaraderie among the crews. The harmony that brought crews together was not in any way diminished by the raw, competitive spirit that swept through their ranks. Indeed, it was fascinating to observe how unyielding ambition and unwavering teamwork could coexist so beautifully.