P&B Northampton Youth Series 2024 Round 3 at Hollowell Sailing Club
by Norman Byrd 21 Jun 19:21 BST
15 June 2024
Northampton Youth Series Round 3 at Hollowell © Mark Greer
Wow. What an event! More than 50 sailors signed on for third round of this year's series. The sailing club rigging areas and car park were jam packed with enthusiastic youth and junior sailors.
The weather forecast was a bit of a mixed bag, but which ever forecast you chose to look at, it was going to be windier in the afternoon than the morning. In the end we had at least 3 seasons in one day, if not 4!
After a brief welcome, head coach Rachel split the sailors into groups based on experience. We had new to racing sailors (some of which were new to sailing), sailors that club raced, and sailors that had travelled to events and were confident racers.
With a small armada of coach boats on the water, the sailors went afloat. And what a sight it was! This, we think, was our largest ever event. We didn't think we'd ever have more than 50 sailors, but after the popularity of the events at Cransley and Middle Nene we were proved to be wrong. The reservoir was a picture as sailors learnt new skills, and practiced ones already learnt. The fleets were brought ashore at midday, with excellent timing. A terrific squall blew through over lunch, bringing stronger winds and so much rain that the reservoir's overflow was put to use. Lunch is worth a mention. 74 delicious hot lunches were rapidly served up by Hannah and Laura who didn't appear to bat an eyelid as the sailors queued up. Just as planned, the Red Arrows flew over just before the race briefing. We like to provide good entertainment when we can!
PROs Mike and Helen led the race briefing. We aim for 3 shortish back-to-back races. With sunshine and much stronger winds, more or less everyone went afloat.
The Topper fleet were the largest numerically with 19 boats signed on. William from the home club took the first win from Tom and Oscar, both Draycote. Oscar won the second race from William and Alex. The decider was won by Oscar from a dead heat of Alex and Hari (who was sailing the larger 5.3 rig). Oscar first, William second, Alex third.
The fast handicap was once again dominated by Peter, Draycote, in his ILCA6. Henry, Draycote ILCA4 (desperate to use his 6 rig but discretion proved the better part of valour given the wind) was second in the first race with Solomon, ILCA 6 Middle Nene third. Race two was again won by Peter, from Frank, Middle Nene ILCA 4 and Matilda, Cransley ILCA 4. The final race was very exciting with multiple capsizes on the final leg. Henry won it, Peter was second and Jasper, Draycote, ILCA 6 was third. Peter won the fast fleet, second was Henry, third was Frank.
The slow fleet had 3 different race winners. Joshua, Middle Nene, Tera Sport won the first race with Isaac second, Draycote Topper 4.2 and Arianne third, Middle Nene Tera Sport. Race two was won by Harry Ambery, Cransley, Tera Sport. Second was Finn, Hollowell, optimist and third Henry, Trearrdur Bay (Anglesey!). The final race was won by Harry Jarvis, Middle Nene Tera Sport. Finn took second from Henry. Finn did enough to win the slow fleet without winning a race, Joshua came second and Henry third.
Tired sailors came ashore in lovely warm and bright conditions, the morning drizzle having well and truly cleared off. Hannah and Laura continued the excellent catering with a splendid tea which was very much enjoyed whilst the race results were poured over.
9 sailors were awarded their first timer's medal. A brilliant achievement considering the conditions.
Overall, Oscar and Henry were tied on points for third place with Oscar winning it by virtue of winning the last race on overall handicap. Second place was won by William, and Peter won his second event in a row. Peter thanked all the competitors and volunteers. It was a really fabulous event. Almost 20 volunteers from the home club gave their time to help the sailors. Hollowell presented some fabulous prizes which were much appreciated. Thanks as ever to the RYA for funding our coach, and to P and B for supporting the event with series prizes.
Our series is going from strength to strength. All youth and junior sailors under 19 are welcome from all clubs. We are totally reliant on the 6 home clubs for putting on such good events, I am extremely grateful to them and our sponsors. These events are for new to racing sailors, as well as the more experienced. £10 for a single hander, or £15 for a double handed gets you a morning of coaching, 3 afternoon coached races and a party tea. How's that for good value!
The next round is at Banbury Sailing Club, 6th July, then Northampton 13th July and finally Draycote on September the 14th. Will we see 60 sailors?