2026 Easter Dinghy Regatta Report

Published 14:24 on 6 Apr 2026

Easter Monday bright and early and a group of keen dinghy sailors descended on Coombe Cellars ready for a 100 minute pursuit race - a race that pits the slower boats against the faster ones by making the faster boats start later than the slower ones. In theory if all sailed to their optimum performance they would all cross the finish line at the same time.

Race Officer Ray Potter ably assisted by Maggie set a rectangular course immediately in front of the clubhouse to make the most of a tricky south easterly breeze. Not an ideal direction as the south shore of the river restricts the airflow. Once the safety boat was launched with Tom Brewer and Nick Napper on board Ray was ready to start the watch count down.

First boat away was the Quba of Olly Tweedie followed very quickly by Brian Tuckers ILCA4.7. Several Solo dinghies went next with the K1 of Mike Commander bringing up the rear nearly 27 minutes after datum time.

Brian sailed a faultless race and was not to be caught, helped no doubt by Chris Tilbrook taking a swim in his Solo who subsequently retired. And despite being chased hard by Peter Hearne in his Solo and Mikes K1 Brian held on and was a good couple of minutes ahead of Mike at the end. No Easter Bunny Ears for the winner but a good sized Easter Egg was his prize, presented by Ray -followed by Mike and Peter with Olly taking first young adult.

Brian Tucker overall winner

Mike Commander 2nd place

Peter Hearne 3rd place

Olly Tweedie first young adult

Last updated 16:53 on 6 April 2026