The Youth and Junior Open had a good entry from sailors aged 8 to 14. Most were in Toppers, but RS Terras, a Laser and 420 entered. Notts County SC was one of the first RYA Pathway clubs, the aim being to increase participation and racing for juniors, feeding some through to squads, but also instilling a lifelong love of the sport. With thirteen entrants from the club the coaching is starting to pay dividends.

John Sears, the Race Officer set a compact box course in the light and variable winds, with rain damping down the sailing at times. The improvement in standard since last year was noticeable, with the fleet closer together and the majority managed a few races, even though many racing for the first time.

The first two races saw a visitor, Theo Graves from Draycott win the race on handicap in his Topper, he was close to James Burton and Peter Gathergood from Notts County in a 420. Race 2 saw Issac Dickenson second in a Topper, with Baraby Bushby third.

After a break for lunch the racing started again in a variable wind that dropped for the remaining races, accompanied by rain. Theo continued his winning streak to win the Notts County Junior Open. James and Peter had a forth and a win to count, bringing them up to second place, whilst Barnaby had consistent seconds and third to finish third overall.

results

Thank to John Gathergood for prize giving photos