SYH Regatta was held on a very windy weekend. To remind you, it was the same weekend as the Round The Island Race, which had hugely reduced numbers because of the conditions.

Three Stellas took part. Persephone * 6, Acamar *19, Lodestar *64

On friday evening, Acamar, Lodestar and a 24 ft sloop called Samphire were the only takers for a blustery evening bonus warm up race. Lodestar were doing very well, with a sensible reduced rig, and almost through it away completely by hoisting the spinnaker. We all went to the bar afterwards and had a good laugh. Lodestar got line honours- by 4 seconds over Acamar! but Samphire won on handicap.

On Saturday all three stellas came out. It was pretty windy still. We did one quite long race, down river from the HPYC start line, up the Stour, back up the Orwell to Pin Mill, then back to the club start line. Persephone had to retire fairly early on with some gear failure. Acamar did well and finished well up the fleet. Lodestar was doing really well, but within sight of the finish line, got involved in an involuntary mid river raft up which resulted in the starboard spreader hanging from the loose cap shroud and the mainsheet post dangling in the water from the end of the boom.

Lodestar had her mast lowering A frame on board. So Saturday afternoon and evening was spent lowering the mast and re-attaching the spreader, and replacing the mainsheet post with one repurposed from a Stella waiting for restoration in SYH.

On Sunday all three stellas were out again. This time Lodestar and Persephone both managed to finish, well up the fleet. Acamar was doing well but unfortunately left one mark to the wrong side. Not making a significant difference to their time but getting a DNF.

Lodestar squeaked the first place Stella, and was awarded the ‘Persephone’ prize, in recognition of the effort put into repairing the rig on Saturday evening.

And a jolly good time was had by all. The band on Saturday was really good, and the presence of the motor boat fleet added to the party atmosphere overall at the regatta.

The SYH organisers did really well, hosting a very fun regatta in difficult conditions- big thanks to everyone concerned.