Colin Hicklin Memorial 2026 – Race Report

Glorious morning. Not a cloud in the sky. Wind was gusty west north west. Carpark was full by 10am and lots of excited sailors were gathered on the front lawn.

The wind was set to back south westerly but as the race time approached it stayed stubbornly west north west.

Briefing done.

The OOD (Gervase) asked if everyone could be in the water in 5 mins. Oli and numerous others all shouted- yes. Well when the horn went 5 mins later it was like Dunkirk on the beach. Helm’s and crews scrabbling round. Beach crew ( thank you April, Yvette and Gary) grabbing trailers as boats in a fever launched. The last minute rush caused some rigging mistakes. The 470 got its rudder caught and so 3 races were raced with it at 45 degrees- with the helm using every swear word known to man on each beat due to the weather helm.

First race under way and the wind remained gusty and inconsistent. The first leg was down wind due to the need to avoid rocks and was closely paced between the 11 boats racing. The full line up consisted of 3 Hobies, 2 RS 300’s, 1 R/S 400, 1 470, 2 Topaz’s, 1 Prindle ( yes- the Pink Delight was back) and an ILCA. The colour array of sails was spectacular. There was a slight fracas at the downwind mark where the Hutchings Hobie T Boned the Farrow’s Hobie by going round the mark to Port rather than starboard. Penalty turn was taken and the Hutchings almost missed the mark again but just scraped through.

The first race remained fairly tight all the way round as the wind was lightish, but on the last beat there was a hint of what might come!

Second race off.

Hobies all had a great start. The RS 400 actually made the start line and was flying with spinnaker up. The 470 took a stately and steady approach to the start getting the spinny up at a leisurely pace. As the race progressed the wind picked up and the Hobies came into their own. The RS 300’s remained neck and neck. Father and Son- the Souths. The Topaz with Theo and Fenn on picked up its pace too- and that ILCA was hot on everyone’s heels- Guy having a phenomenal race! Johnnie Hutchings decided to go for a swim at the down wind mark and the RS 400 went for the first of a couple of full tilts. Hobie number 24 just gathered more and more pace during the race- Mark and Vicky flying on the twin trap. Their son Johnny Farrow in hot pursuit. The RS 300’s and the RS 400 had a close finish.

For the third and final race the wind had come into its own. Force 4 to 5. Champagne sailing. All around the race course all you could hear was a whooping Oli - having a great time. The Farrows again dominated the race, but towards the back of the fleet there was strong progress being made by the Topaz and of course the amazing Guy- both pressing hard on the 470. The race finished with a wonderful flourish as Oli and Si did a flyby past the club with all sails up in memory of Colin.

What a wonderful day of sailing. Sun, wind and a beautiful blue sea. Boats with butterfly colours and lots and lots of excitement. A beautiful and fitting way to remember the legendary Colin Hicklin.

Beers and BBQ on the lawn after- just perfect.