Derbyshire Youth Sailing's first event of 2021 held at Combs Sailing Club
by Joanne Hill 19 Apr 2021 06:16 BST
10 April 2021
A chilly day for Derbyshire Youth Sailing's first event of 2021 at Combs SC © Darren Clarke
A cool, crisp morning welcomed 26 sailors to Combs Sailing Club for our first Derbyshire Youth Sailing (DYS) event of 2021. This was Toddbrook Sailing Club's event but as they are still without water, Combs offered the use of their facilities.
With the wide range of boats rigged, course set and everyone eager to get out onto the water, the briefing was held on the shore line. For many of the competitors this was their first DYS event so Richard, our Toddbrook Rep, took time to carefully explain the proceedings and course. As is the way of best laid plans, just as the briefing was drawing to a close the wind took a full 180 shift; not easily phased Richard then reversed the course and the sailors began to launch.
Race one saw a steady breeze, ideal conditions for our 1st event in over 12 months. With the Laser Radials and Byte C11's evenly matched there was some close racing at the front, and with enough wind for the spinnaker to be hoisted there was some place swapping between the double hander boats. With the Toppers and Opi's having their own battles this first race was proving to be a great opener for this years events.
During lunch, which due to Covid couldn't be its usual social gathering in the club house, the wind dropped and the snow came in seeing the temperature drop. This didn't put off our sailors though, with a slight change to the course they set out for two more races back-to-back. With the much lighter conditions the mixed fleet were soon stretched out over the water, having their own personal races.
Despite the cold, wintry conditions, the smiles and atmosphere of the day just showed how much these young sailors and their support crews were glad to be back out on the water.
Congratulations to everyone who took part and of course our winners - Kate Robertson who won the overall trophy and senior fleet, Jacob Bennett for winning the Intermediate fleet and to Reuben Lawrance who won the Junior fleet in his first ever DYS event. A special mention to all of our new sailors who took part for the first time, we look forward to welcoming you to another DYS event.
Everyone is now eagerly looking forward to our next event at Burton Sailing Club on the 24th April, details about eligibility to race, registration and full race results can be found on our website, www.dysailing.org