Northants Youth Series Round 2 at Hollowell Sailing Club

Northants Youth Series Round 2 © Norman Byrd

Warm weather, bright sunshine and plenty of wind greeted sailors for the second round of the Northants Youth Series. Sailors attended from Banbury, Draycote, Cransley, Hollowell and Northampton sailing clubs. Hollowell Sailing Club were our hosts, they put on a tremendous show from coaching to catering, and from rescue to racing!

The youth series promotes participation for all sailors from beginner upwards. As usual the day kicked off with a few hours of coaching. The topper and fast fleet combined, there were plenty of capsizes, thrills and spills. Several sailors headed in, but after brief rest and a judicious reef, they headed out for the rest of the session. Milk cartons doubled as mast head floats, the sailors were all keen to sail. The slow fleet gave a great demonstration of heavy weather sailing and had to be called in for lunch!

With round 1 winner Clem Middle competing at the NS topper event at Rutland, there would be a new winner. The youngest entrant was 9, the oldest 17. Tom Chapman, Cransley ILCA6 won all three fast fleet races. In the toppers, Jack Strong, Northampton, also won all 3 races. In the slow fleet a tremendous tussle took place between Noah Byrd, Draycote, and Tristan and William Shaw (Banbury) in their optimists. Noah won the slow event after a hard-fought last race in which all 3 led at some point.

After a tea of freshly made cakes the prize-giving took place. 8 first timer medals were awarded to first time entrants in the Northants Youth series. Hollowell and Pinnell and Bax laid on an array of prizes. A somewhat embarrassed first placed Noah gave an acceptant speech thanking the club, parents and competitors.

There will be a first timers trophy this year to be awarded to the sailor who starts the greatest number of races. Entrants are welcome from all clubs, the next event is at Banbury Sailing Club on 9th July, the briefing will be at 9.15, rigged and ready, see you then!

Overall Results: