Event REcap
Kestrel 70th Anniversary Regatta: LLangorse SC
Over the weekend 16th/17th May 2026 Kestrel sailors from every corner of the UK travelled to the Brecon Beacons for a special event. It was just over 70 years ago that Ian Proctor sailed the prototype Kestrel on Llangorse Lake in what was reported to have been a bitter day with hail.
The Anniversary Regatta was sailed in slightly warmer conditions which were still unseasonably chilly but this was more than made up for by the warmth of the welcome, and the close racing on both days.
Race management was excellent, with all 5 races started on programme, good courses and a quick turn round between races – just what we like!
Race one stared in a very light and shifty westerly, Howie Enkel and Danni Tebbutt, Maylandsea SC, started at the correct end of the line, reached the first mark first and disappeared, finishing with a significant lead. They were followed home by Stewart and Julie Murdoch, Royal Tay YC, with Malcolm and Dannielle Worsley also Royal Tay YC close behind.
Race two started as the wind swung giving the port end of the line a significant bias. Starting on port the Murdoch’s crossed the fleet and led the fleet round, pulling out a big lead on those who were fighting for second and third place. However, they finished to silence – maintaining their remarkable record of OCSs.
This gave first place to Howie and Danni, closely followed again by the Worsleys who by now were starting to feel that they had in some way offended the Welsh wind gods.
Race three started in what looked like the best wind of the day. There was fierce close tacking to try to get the best from the shifts. The leading group were overlapped at the end of the first beat and places changed frequently on the second windward leg, then it all went pear shaped. The second reach turned into a beat, then the wind vanished completely allowing the rest of the fleet to close up.
Some might say it became a lottery, but your correspondent prefers to see the outcome as tactical brilliance. The Murdoch’s crossed first, followed by Mark Pollard and Martin Walbank from Starcross SC, then David and Roz Downs from Tata Steel SC sailing the borrowed class boat.
Saturday evening dinner in Llangorse SC was a huge success. All those who had entered were presented with special anniversary polo shirts. There was a donated barrel of beer (thanks Mark) and we had to be thrown out to allow the club to be locked up. A very sociable evening which, for some, went on even later with live music and more beer in the local pub.
Sunday started with showers, bacon rolls and more wind. Race four and five were both windward – leeward, with a leeward gate. The finishing positions make it look processional, but it was anything but, with very close racing.
It came down to having a small edge in boat speed and the tactical choices made on the beat. Howie and Danni got these correct more often than those chasing. Malcolm and Dannielle were never far behind and Stewart and Julie plugged away in third slot.
The final two legs may have been a homage to Ian Proctor. The sky darkened, there were some dramatic gusts and a solid force five hit the fleet as they closed the leeward gate for the last time… there were some dramatic moments and at least one swim. It was a tough slog back up the lake home to the club.
Championship results :
1st Howie Enkel and Danni Tebbutt – Maylandsea SC – 1574 – 4 points
2nd Stewart and Julie Murdoch – Royal Tay YC – 1648 – 9 points
3rd Malcolm and Dannielle Worsley – Royal Tay YC – 1638 – 9 points
4th Mark Pollard and Martin Wallbank – Starcross SC – 1652 – 18 points
5th Chris and Ben Grice – Maylansea SC – 1472 – 18points
6th Steve Worf and Dave Hearsum – Calshot SC – 1636 – 19 points
7th David and Roz Downs Tata Steel SC – 164X – 21 points
8th Jorrit and Toby Schrauwers Welland YC Kestrel 466 – 30 points
9th Paul Wilks and Jane O’Brien Maylandsea SC – 1605 – 31 points
