"As I am now 18 the 2021 summer season was my last sailing with KSSA (Kent Schools Sailing Association) and it ended on a high.  KSSA is open to all individuals aged between 8 and 18 years from sailing clubs and schools in Kent.  They regularly hold training sessions and events at various sailing clubs across Kent and at their Mid-Summer Regatta it was great to take line honours in the Littlefield Memorial Race which was open to all KSSA members and also adults.  The icing on the cake was to also win the Regatta overall. 

I was pleased to be invited to go to the NSSA (National Schools Sailing Association) Annual Regatta at the Mountbatten Centre in Plymouth with the Kent Team.  There I achieved second place in the handicap fleet.  I also took part in the midweek team racing event for the much coveted "Mount Haes" trophy.  This year we sailed Laser Bahias with my friend Joe on helm and me crewing.  Very gusty conditions, as a description of the race is an understatement, leading to multiple capsizes across the fleet. but in the final we lead from the 1st mark meaning together we won the event.  My final event with KSSA was their annual regatta hosted by Herne Bay Sailing Club where I was presented colours.  Going out with style, I then went on to win 1^st Laser, 1^st single handed boat and 1^st overall.

It was a busy summer for me, particularly after the lack of events in 2020 due to covid.  A week after the NSSA Regatta I attended my first RYA Youth Championships which were also held at the Mountbatten Centre, Plymouth.  It was great to sail with so many other Laser (ILCA7) sailors and finished up with a respectable mid field 13th place out of 22. There is no time to rest as a Laser sailor and from Plymouth I went straight down to Weymouth for the UKLA National Championship at WPNSA where I came 34th out of 52 after 10 races.  Staying at WPNSA after the regatta, I attended the ILCA transition training week where coaching in the morning combined with mini races in the afternoon.  It is always great to learn new top tips and continually improve performance.  Finally, on 25/26 September my family and I made the long trip up to Sunderland Yacht Club for the ILCA Autumn Qualifier.  Light winds meant my highest position was 10th place and I came 12th overall.I am really pleased to have recently started working at Barton HQ to assist with a variety of roles across the team.  I will share more as I get to grips with everything!"

Darren Tuff, Barton Marine’s resident long distance runner has successfully completed the London Marathon dressed as a Barton Block, whilst achieving a great time of 04:43:27.  His valiant efforts raised £1970 for Wednesday Junior Sailing, helping as many children as possible get out onto the water for a mere £1.  Read the full story here.