29th Broadland Youth Regatta run by Norfolk & Suffolk Boating Association

Jack Aitken wins the Lady Mayhew Trophy - 29th Broadland Youth Regatta © Trish Barnes

Johnnie Rudd and Sam Dernie win the Whelpton Cup - 29th Broadland Youth Regatta © Trish Barnes

The BYR was hosted by Norfolk Broads Yacht Club, Wroxham on behalf of the Norfolk & Suffolk Boating Association (NSBA) last Saturday 9th September. Over 80 competitors competed over four racing starts.

The weather did not bode well for sailing, being very hot, humid and crucially a complete lack of wind until mid afternoon when eventually a light north-easterly sea breeze arrived. The morning therefore commenced slowly with cold drinks and ice-creams and the children nevertheless simply took to the water in whatever manner on paddle-boards, canoes or simply leaping in fully clothed.

Following early lunches a breeze developed and sailors were called afloat for a 13:20 first starting series; 74 boats set off only to be virtually becalmed just to windward of what should have become a start-line, such that the race-management team could not possibly set a clear start-line. All boats returned to moorings but then after another half-hour the wind finally arrived though fitful and of inconsistent direction. Nevertheless there followed two full series of racing.

The prize for first overall double hander went to Johnnie Rudd and Sam Dernie of the host club sailing a Norfolk Punt at almost exactly twice as fast as the slowest Optimist fleet. Despite such trying wind conditions, starring performances of double wins were achieved by Zoe Barnes (Optimist), and by Jensen Jakob (Topper), both representing Snowflakes SC.

Elsewhere Jack Sisley from Beccles sailed consistently to head the Laser Class without actually winning either race. The front of both Handicap fleets saw equally traded first and second places such that "last-race" tiebreaks had to be applied.

On-water judges were given the unenviable task in such light conditions where nothing much of remark might be taking place, to select an individual sailor for showing best endeavour overall; actually there was indeed a clearly agreed standout performance by one very young man for showing independence and determination in not following the pack but applying his own spirited strategy across the course towards commendable placings; Jack Aitken of Norfolk Broads YC was thus awarded the Lady Mayhew Trophy for his endeavours.

Centenary Salver awarded to Horning SC - 29th Broadland Youth Regatta - photo © Vicky Gould

Finally all results collected and the best six rankings achieved by team members added together for the eagerly awaited overall Club result; following some very close top-three totals and a tie-break applied for the runner-up slot, the Centenary Salver was awarded to Horning Sailing Club.

Thanks go to our generous sponsors for supporting the event: Green+Purple, Barracuda Bay, NBD Broads Tours, Reids of Norwich, Norfolk Marine & Bewilderwood.

Trophies:

Centenary Salver (top club): Horning SC
Lady Mayhew Trophy (individual endeavour): Jack Aitken (Optimist)
Whelpton Cup (double-hander): Johnnie Rudd & Sam Dernie (Norfolk Punt)

Norfolk Broads Yacht Club host the 29th Broadland Youth Regatta - photo © Trish Barnes

Team Ranking Results:

AllComers B (Slow) Fleet Results:

Laser Fleet Results:

Optimist Fleet Results:

Topper Fleet Results: