Results / Tide Ride Hayling Island SC - 05/10/2024
RS800 Rooster National Tour at The Soak Tide Ride, Hayling Island Sailing Club 5-6 Oct 2024
The 2024 Tide Ride at Hayling Island Sailing Club made a spectacular return after more than 20 years, delivering two days of high-octane racing in classic Hayling conditions. This year’s event, sponsored by Soak Insurance, drew a strong fleet of sailors who faced extreme challenges, relentless conditions, and a thrilling finale.
Day One: Slalom Mayhem over the Winner Bank
Saturday kicked off with four adrenaline-packed races held on a slalom-style short course over the infamous Winner Bank. As the wind built throughout the day, gusting over 20 knots by the final race, the fleet faced gnarly, wind-against-tide conditions that conjured up monstrous waves. These big seas tested every sailor's ability to stay upright, with frequent capsizes, kite-trawling incidents, and the odd dramatic pitchpole adding to the spectacle.
Despite the chaos, Tom "Mozzie Sails" Morris and his talented 29er crew Charlie Gran rose above the carnage. Morris’ mastery of the conditions was unmatched, as he secured four straight bullets, navigating the heavy breeze and waves with apparent ease. His tactical precision and boat-handling skills left the rest of the fleet scrambling to keep up.
The most consistent challengers to Morris and Gran were Bryan and Anna Ormond, who displayed solid performances throughout the day, earning them second place in the overall standings heading into day two. While they couldn’t quite match Morris’ pace, they were the best of the rest, capitalizing on others' mistakes and maintaining steady control in the rough conditions.
RS800 Fleet: Bruised but Unbowed
Not to be outdone by the 29er fleet, the RS800 sailors also had their share of battle scars from the brutal conditions. Despite being battered, bruised, and thoroughly soaked, the RS800 sailors still found enough energy to celebrate their survival at the now-legendary Tide Ride after-party.
The Covell After-Party: A Night to Remember
Hosted by none other than Freddie Covell—who had earned a reputation as the DJ of choice for the Hayling party scene—the Saturday night gathering was as unforgettable as the day’s racing. Covell’s infectious energy on the decks brought the entire fleet together, dancing and reliving the day’s epic moments, with sailors sharing stories of their capsizes and near-misses. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of high-adrenaline racing, though it left many wondering how they'd survive the second day on so little sleep!
Day Two: Calmer Waters at Pilsey Sands
Sunday greeted sailors with calmer waters and lighter winds, offering a reprieve from the mayhem of the previous day. The fleet moved to the more sheltered Pilsey Sands area for three further qualifying races, where tactics and boat-handling precision came to the fore in more benign conditions. These races helped to determine the top five boats for the much-anticipated, winner-takes-all medal race.
With the lighter breeze, some of the less bruised crews made their move, though Morris and Gran still maintained their dominance, securing their spot in the medal race. The Ormonds, as well as class stalwarts Pete Barton and Chris Feibusch, sailed consistently to also qualify for the final showdown, alongside Tracey Covell and her superstar crew, Freddie—fresh from his exploits on the DJ decks.
The Medal Race: A Battle Royale on Winner Bank
As if scripted for maximum drama, the Tide Ride’s medal race returned to the challenging Winner Bank course, where the breeze had built back up and the big waves once again took centre stage. The top five boats lined up for what would be a thrilling, all-or-nothing final race.
From the outset, it was clear this race would be an epic battle, with plenty of place-changing, spills, and even a few gear breakages thrown into the mix. Morris and Gran were pushed to the limit, with Barton and Feibusch breathing down their necks, and Tracey Covell, expertly crewed by her son Freddie, in hot pursuit. The conditions provided no respite, and every team was forced to dig deep.
In the end, however, Morris and Gran proved unstoppable once again, rounding off a perfect scoreline to take the overall victory. Hot on their heels were Barton and Feibusch, who secured a well-deserved second place. In third, Tracey and Freddie Covell delivered a fantastic performance, not only excelling on the water but also making their mark off it—Freddie’s party hosting just as memorable as his sailing.
A Perfect Return for the Tide Ride
The reinstated Tide Ride event could not have gone better, with sailors and spectators alike treated to a weekend of high-adrenaline racing, challenging conditions, and unforgettable camaraderie. The event was a true test of skill, stamina, and resilience, as sailors battled both the elements and each other on Hayling’s toughest racecourses.
The race management team deserves immense credit for pulling off such a complex programme in challenging conditions. With spring tides rapidly emptying the harbour, their ability to keep the racing on schedule was no small feat.
As the dust settled and the sailors packed up, huge smiles could be seen all around. The consensus was clear—this crash-and-burn edition of the Tide Ride was a massive success, and everyone who took part is already counting the days until next year’s event.
Final Results:
1st Tom Morris & Charlie Gran
2nd Pete Barton & Chris Feibusch
3rd Tracey Covell & Freddie Covell.
Report by Chris Feibusch