2026 Double Handed Race
Published 18:56 on 22 Sep 2026
It's that time of year again when established and newly formed double-handed crews put aside usual single-handed competetiveness for a day of jibs, ready-abouts and always blame the crew...
17 competitors in 8 boats showed up for the excitement on a day of some lumpy, fickle winds (classic Ely). With huge thanks to Jon, our new race officer and his able crew of Emma, Paul and Steve on side to lend a hand, we were off for a reachy-run down from 8 and round 1 - a small amount of chaos at the start as usual but nothing that quelled any spirits and there was spectacular racing all throughout the fleet with Wayfarers, Wanderers, 2000s, Versas, Enterprises, Toppers and Guls fighting for space on our little lake. Despite feeling a little crowded round some marks, it was made up for by the picture perfect nature of so many boats out, jibs flying away.
Kieran and Edward in their Gul took the first race and it was time for sandwiches and tactics before we went out for another race. It was certainly hokey-cokey-esque in nature with crews on and off the toestraps all day whilst also a mental challenge to balance the gusts from all directions, random lulls in the wind, all while keeping watch for fellow competitors as places switched frequently throughout the afternoon. Race 2 the wind was, would you believe it, even more 'Ely' and swinging from South to North to West with an occassional Easterly gust and there was close racing throughout but Kieran and Edward weren't put off by their antics at the Youth League event on Saturday and were 2/2 after the second race, securing their trophy (the debate as to who will be taking that home in November goes on!)
With the win secured, everyone was keen for one more race just for fun & it also allowed a fabulous opportunity for helms and crews to switcharoo and give everyone a chance at both roles - some of the helms indeed realised that crewing is by no means the easy option. But after 3 races, everyone was still smiling & dry so really, that's a win all round and the culmination of a fabulous day on the water, overseen by our fabulous duty crew.
Of the crews sailing, there was just one usual double-handed crew competiting and we saw crews of friends, parents with their children and some new formed crews of those who usually sail single-handed and it was lovely to see everyone out, enjoying the water and realising just how much fun double-handed sailing is. Maybe even the start of some new formed team-mates and new racing tactics being refined.
"There is no better tool or equipment you can have on board than a well-trained crew."
Larry Pardey
Last updated 18:56 on 22 September 2026
