Record number of West Wales sailors take part in race circuit
by Hamish Stuart, Welsh Yachting Association 26 Sep 2014 18:22 BST
A record number of West Wales sailors have taken part in a circuit of races through the summer.
With just the final set of races at Pembrokeshire Yacht Club to go, Solva and Fishguard sailor Ed Prickett topes the Topper rankings, with Fishguard's Finn Robberts and Lowri Boorman in joint second.
Saundersfoot's Aled Llewellyn is first in the Optimist class of boat, Pembrokeshire's Robbie Smart second, while in the Topper training fleet Dale's Jake Scott leads the way, with Neyland's Ffion Thomas first in the general handicap class.
The Port of Milford Haven provides essential support for the events for fuelling the safety boats, helping the West Wales Club Youth Racing Circuit (CYRC) to see such a significant growth on last year.
With 42 youngster taking part in the races, 28 in the event at Fishguard, it has been a record turnout for the series which caters for experienced racers and also novice sailors in their first event.
"With one set of races still to go it is great to see that we have already reached a record number of youngster taking part in this series of racing events," said the Welsh Yachting Association's West Wales development officer Hester Walker.
"Dale, Tenby and Neyland hosted events from May onwards, with Neyland hosting the most recent races and Pembrokeshire still to come at the end of the month.
"The support from clubs for the CYRCs is fantastic with volunteers catering and providing safety cover and shore duties.
"The clubs always welcoming visiting sailors and are actively encouraging sailing for youth many offering training from April to September with racing continuing up until Christmas.
"Whilst quality racing is the intention of the series, courses maybe adapted and training may be provided to suit the age and ability of competitors. The series will cater for experienced racers (wanting to practice against their squad mates!) through to novice sailors travelling to their first event.
"It is the ethos of the CYRC Series to welcome and help less experienced sailors. Gold fleet sailors and parents are asked to always assist less experienced sailors at these events, such as check rigging, advice on how to replace unsuitable kit, where to go, launching, etc."
Corporate affairs director at the Port of Milford Haven, Mark Andrews, said, "We are pleased to be able to support the CYRC series by providing funding for safety boats for each of the five events taking place across Pembrokeshire.
"This programme is helping a large number of young people to enjoy sailing in a safe environment and it is hoped it will encourage even more to get involved in the sport in the future".
West Wales CYRC Series results so far:
1st place Topper Gold fleet - Ed Prickett - Solva BC & Fishguard Bay YC
2nd place Topper - Finn Robarts & Lowri Boorman - Fishguard Bay YC
1st place Topper Training fleet - Jake Scott – Dale YC
1st place Optimist - Aled Llewellyn–Jones, Saundersfoot SC
2nd place Optimist - Robbie Smart – Pembrokeshire YC
1st place General Handicap - Ffion Thomas - Neyland YC