Dominant From The Start

The weekend produced some demanding racing. Saturday’s four races were held in tricky, shifting conditions — with wind direction swinging through more than 90 degrees at times — placing a premium on tactical awareness and adaptability. Penty and Borrett thrived in the chaos, posting three first-place finishes across the afternoon to stamp their authority on the series early.

Sunday brought more settled weather but no less competitive racing as the fleet completed the remaining races to round out the six-race series. With only the best five scores counting, consistency across both days was key — and Beaver SC’s pairing delivered exactly that.

Dave Exley and Harry Fox of Leigh & Lowton SC pushed hard throughout and were rewarded with second place overall, winning both races on Sunday morning. Hamish Gledhill and Ross Southwell of West Riding SC rounded out the podium in third.

Final Standings

Club Pride

While Richard Hanby was clinching the RS300 title on Lake Garda, Martin and Dave were simultaneously making their mark at Carsington. Two championship wins for Beaver Sailing Club in the same few days — it was quite a week for the club.

Please join us in congratulating Martin Penty and Dave Borrett on a brilliant result.

Well sailed, both of you!

The post Penty & Borrett Claim RS400 Northern Championship Title appeared first on Beaver Sailing Club.

Competing against an all-British fleet of 12 sailors across eight races, Richard delivered a performance of real quality — combining outright speed in testing heavy-air conditions with the composure to recover from an early setback and pull clear of the field.

A Rocky Start, A Brilliant Recovery

Richard arrived at Lake Garda in strong form, but the opening day was not without drama. Lying second in Race 1, a costly error dropped him back to fifth — a result that would ultimately be discarded but would have been enough to rattle many sailors. Race 2 was barely less frustrating; he crossed the line just a foot behind second place after what had been a rapid charge through the fleet.

The conditions did nothing to make life easier. Strong, gusty winds made for demanding heavyweight sailing throughout the regatta, and on the Thursday evening the fleet were treated to the kind of spectacle only Lake Garda can provide — a dramatic lightning strike that split the rocks on the shoreline.

But if the first day tested Richard’s resilience, Day 2 confirmed his class. He hit the water flying, reeling off a string of firsts and seconds that put the result beyond doubt. Even a set of penalty turns during one race couldn’t stop him — he still finished at the front.

“The first day was a proper rollercoaster — I was sailing well but made a silly mistake in Race 1, and in Race 2 I lost second by the width of a boat. The conditions were seriously windy throughout, real heavyweight weather — challenging but manageable. Once I got into my rhythm on Day 2 I found my flow — even when I had to take penalty turns I knew the pace was there. To come away with the overall win on Lake Garda is something I’ll never forget. I even watched lightning smash into the rocks on the shore — it was quite a weekend!” — Richard Hanby, Beaver Sailing Club

The Final Standings

Richard’s net score of 12.0 points from seven counting races told the story of a near-faultless second half of the series. David Acres of Emsworth was a solid second overall on 18.0, with Peter Mackin of Y Felinheli in third on 25.0.

The Event

The Riva Cup is one of Europe’s most celebrated small-boat regattas, drawing competitors to race on the spectacular waters of Lake Garda each May. This year’s edition saw participation nearly double from 2025, with close to 100 entrants across five classes — Korsar, Dyas, 505, RS300, and RS600. The event is supported by the Blue Garden Shopping Center and organised by the renowned team at Fraglia Vela Riva, who successfully completed the full eight-race programme despite the volatile conditions.

Club Pride

This is a brilliant result and a proud moment for everyone at Beaver Sailing Club. Competing internationally, in testing conditions, against a quality field — and coming away as overall winner — takes real skill, speed, and mental toughness.

Please join us in congratulating Richard on an outstanding performance.

Well sailed, Richard — we’re proud of you!

The post Richard Hanby Wins the 2026 Riva Cup appeared first on Beaver Sailing Club.

Beaver Sailing Club was proud to host the North Topper Open (ITCA NT2) event this weekend, welcoming young sailors from across the region for a fantastic day of racing. Despite the cold and testing conditions, spirits remained high both on and off the water.

A special mention goes to Beaver’s own Oliver Simpson, who took part in his first ever Topper event, facing a competitive 14-strong fleet packed with experienced national squad sailors. Oliver showed great determination and perseverance throughout the day – well done!

Behind the scenes, an incredible team of volunteers made the day possible. Huge thanks to Anne & David Nicklin and family, John & Rachael Simpson, Richard Hanby and girls, and our Heron Champs Pete Fletcher and Rosie, who joined the rescue and support crews out on the water in bitterly cold conditions. Your efforts were recognised and praised by all our visiting sailors and their families.

Thanks also to Hartley Boats for their continued support of junior sailing at Beaver.

With fantastic feedback from competitors and parents alike, Beaver Sailing Club has once again shown it can host top-tier regional racing events — and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back again next year!

Results:

1st – Benjamin Smallwood (Budworth SC)
2nd – Simeon Shackleton (Otley SC)
3rd – Oscar Manning (Ripon SC)
Best Beaver Sailor – Oliver Simpson (14th overall)

Photo Highlights from the North Topper Open ITCA NT2 2025

Relive all the action on and off the water with our event photo highlights of the North Topper Open ITCA NT2 at Beaver Sailing Club.

The post North Topper Open at Beaver Sailing Club appeared first on Beaver Sailing Club.

While Beaver can proudly claim the bragging rights this year, the true spirit of the weekend was about sportsmanship, endurance, and camaraderie, with sailors of all ages – including seniors overcoming injuries – showing impressive resilience.

Standout Performances on the Water

Sandy Mills’ Well-Earned Trophy

One of the most inspiring stories of the weekend came from Sandy Mills (2165) of Winsford Flash SC, who secured a top prize and a well-deserved trophy. Battling through heavy winds well outside his comfort zone, Sandy’s perseverance set the tone for the event.

Richard Hanby Takes Control

Conditions proved ideal for Richard Hanby, who rose to the challenge and clinched overall victory with two more bullets on the final day. He held off strong competition from Giles Therkelson-Smith and the ever-consistent Martin Penty, who had to settle for third place overall.

Impressive Efforts Across the Fleet

• Tim Bell showed flashes of brilliance with strong starts, though a series of capsizes held him back. Despite this, he secured a well-fought victory over Stu and Lianne Therkelson.
• Chris Snowden enjoyed one of his best weekends, showing determination and consistency, while Stu struggled to maintain early gains and lost places after being caught in irons.
• Steve Hanby, normally a top contender, was hampered by gear failures including his tiller extension and outhaul. Yet, he still held his own in the top five – an impressive feat considering the age and weight differences against younger rivals.
• Dave Borrett had mixed fortunes, finding himself in and out of the top ten. A busy start line and an untimely capsize cost him valuable places.
• Neil Parkhurst, Sam Waller, and Dave Rigby all featured regularly in the top ten. Despite breaking his rudder on Saturday, Neil fought hard, while Sam stamped his authority with a superb fourth overall.
• Peter Cogill once again demonstrated his fighting spirit, recovering from poor starts to climb the fleet in later races.
• John Simpson, new to both sailing and the notoriously tippy Streaker, showed courage simply by joining the fleet. He was awarded the traditional Duck Trophy in good humour.

Saturday Night Social: Food, Music and Fun

No championship weekend is complete without a social, and Saturday evening at Beaver Sailing Club was one to remember. After a hard day’s racing, competitors, visitors and volunteers came together for a fantastic night of food, drinks, and music.

• Fish and chips were served fresh by Your Plaice or Mine, going down a treat with hungry sailors.
• DJ Matt Kindell kept the atmosphere buzzing with a brilliant set that had everyone on their feet.
• The Mobile Flower Bar (MoBar) provided a superb range of drinks that flowed throughout the evening.

The combination of great music, good food, and plenty of laughter created the perfect community atmosphere. Let’s just say there were a few sore heads on Sunday morning before the final races!

A Celebration of Sailing and Sportsmanship

The Beaver Streaker Northern Championships 2025 were not only a test of skill but also a celebration of the sailing community. From exhilarating races to memorable socials, the weekend highlighted the very best of dinghy racing spirit.

Visitors praised Beaver Sailing Club for hosting a warm, welcoming, and professionally run event. Thanks go to Anne and David Nicklin for their tireless organisation and to the many volunteers who made the championship possible. Their hard work ensures Beaver remains a key fixture on the Streaker racing calendar.

Looking Ahead

With challenging winds, dramatic racing, and outstanding displays of determination, the Streaker Northern Championships 2025 at Beaver Sailing Club will be remembered as a classic. Congratulations to all sailors who took part, and thank you to our visitors for helping make it such a memorable weekend.

Be sure to mark your calendars – Beaver Sailing Club events are not to be missed!

Photo Highlights from the Streaker Northern Championships 2025

Relive all the action on and off the water with our event photo highlights. From exciting races to the Saturday night social, the pictures capture the true spirit of the Streaker Northern Championships 2025 at Beaver Sailing Club.

The post Beaver Sailing Club Hosts a Thrilling Streaker Northern Championships 2025 appeared first on Beaver Sailing Club.

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There must be something in the water… An amazing result from our own Richard Hanby this last weekend with him winning the RS300 Nationals at Eastbourne in truly convincing style 

There must be something in the water… An amazing result from our own Richard Hanby this last weekend with him winning the RS300 Nationals at Eastbourne in truly convincing style 

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Read the full report HERE 

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Read the full Y&Y report HERE 

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Read the official report HERE

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