WKSC Youth Team sailing in 'The Big Lash' team racing at West Kirby
by P. Colquitt, WKSC Cadet Class Captain 31 Mar 2014 13:01 BST
8-9 March 2014
The West Kirby Sailing Club Youth Team sailing at the 'The Big Lash' Team Racing event © Paul Colquitt
The Big Lash, hosted jointly by Manchester and Liverpool Universities was held at the home of team racing, West Kirby Sailing Club, attracting twenty-two University entries from across GB, one WKSC Seniors, and one WKSC Youth Team.
The day started well with moderate winds gradually gaining strength as the hours passed by, and then ending verging on the need for storm sails. At the end of day one WKSC Youth were lying in 2nd place overall with six wins, and just one loss. WKSC Seniors in 1st.
Day two started with a lull, zero wind but a beautiful sunny, spring morning. As the fickle winds picked up, the teams eventually ventured out onto the water, WKSC Youth gaining a straight win, to go through to the quarter finals. A further straight one, two, three, gave them a well deserved place in the semi's where they came up against the "dark forces" of Matt Shepherd and Jamie Marston (WKSC Seniors). Nerves and a lack of wind got the better of them, and even though they fought hard, they suffered an unsettling loss, eventually finishing 4th overall of twenty four teams.
At helm ages of just 13, 14 & 15yrs, this is counted as a great success for the WKSC Youth team, and again shows the value of a strong (feeder) Cadet fleet at WKSC.
Well done to WKSC Seniors (ex-Cadet sailors) Matt Shepherd and Jamie Marston on their success finishing 1st overall. Unfortunately "not being a University team" they were ineligible for the £600 prize.
Check out the Video footage on Vimeo, the Youth team are the second start "Grey on Blue F7, F8 & F9″ getting a fantastic start at 00:47 minutes – 01:12 minutes.
West Kirby Youth Team:
- Ruby Riggs & Holly Marston
- Octavia Owen & Ellie Moore
- Alex Colquitt & Katy Norman
A special mention to the other WKSC Cadet sailors taking part in the event: Alex Williams, Ella Marston & Alex Middleton, and a thank you to all those who made it happen!