P&B Northamptonshire Youth Series at Cransley Sailing Club
by Norman Byrd 12 Sep 2023 14:08 BST
P&B Northamptonshire Youth Series 2023 at Cransley © Greg Croxton
After a hiatus from the series to allow for holidays, the NSSA regatta and club sailing, the sailors arrived at Cransley Sailing Club for the final event of this year's series.
Cransley is a small but perfectly formed club near to Kettering in the East Midlands but with a feel of being in the middle of nowhere. The site is certainly picturesque with clear water and lovely views from the club house. We were delighted to welcome sailors from Leicestershire and Rutland Youth Sailing, and a visitor from Trearddur Bay Sailing Club. All the ingredients were in place for a fabulous day's sailing, apart from wind, the lake was glassy calm. Never mind. Nigel Austin soon had the entire fleet afloat on enormous paddle boards much to the delight of the sailors.
After some organised tomfoolery the wind filled in enough to allow for some training. Head coach Rachel Heggs martialed the sailors into the three fleets of slow, Topper and fast handicap. After a hydration pitstop the sailors launched for the remainder of the morning. The galley turned out a most excellent lunch which was appreciated by the sailors who were worn out from paddleboard paddling and then concentrating on light wind technique. The question was whether to race or not in the increasingly fickle breeze. In the end the decision was made to lay on racing, but with the proviso that the results weren't going to count towards the overall results-the wind was most definitely not consistent across the course.
We were unfortunate to lose 2 days of this year's series, which was a shame. Northampton was blown off, and Cransley was too light. But, overall, it was marvellous to have 6 events planned, a first for the series. It was particularly gratifying to return to Middle Nene, one of the founder clubs of the series. We have been particularly blessed this year with the RYA's support for the series. This enables us to have consistent coaching and a plan to develop the sailors and their skills.
The series remains an entry level event with morning coaching followed by racing. As long as sailors can manage a triangular course, they are good enough to join in. On the water coaching plus active coaching during the racing means that everyone can take part, we completely ignore any rules about on the water support! Some sailors stay with us as the highlight of their racing, some move on to more serious racing (although I bet they miss the teas the clubs provide!).
Lots of our sailors will be ready for the RYA's regional training group (information here) and this is actively encouraged. We are extremely grateful to the clubs who run the events for us. We want our series to be accessible as possible and they help keep the entry fees incredibly low. Finally, we must thank P and B whose unstinting support of the series has continued for as long as I can remember, thank you Nelly. This is never taken for granted, the prize winners would confirm their appreciation!
12 first timer medals were awarded by Emily, our NSSA team manager. All first-time competitors receive a medal, these are by far the most important entrants at each event.
Our first timer trophy was awarded to Frank McAuley from Middle Nene Sailing Club. A fitting reward for the Frank, and a splendid recognition of Middle Nene's active participation in this year's series. Frank finished 9th overall sailing his RS Tera. The first timer trophy is awarded based on the number of races started, then if tied, the number of races completed, then if still tied, it is awarded on lowest points score.
The best sailor under 13 was William Clarke from Hollowell Sailing Club. William finished a terrific 4th overall in his Topper.
The best under 19 trophy was awarded (this time correctly!) to Keali Rhodes from Draycote. Keali finished 2nd overall in her Topper. Cransley was her last Topper event before moving onto double handers.
The under 16 trophy, the county junior champion, as well as the overall winner of the entire series was Noah Byrd from Draycote Water Sailing Club. Noah has now won the series for 2 consecutive years in his optimist but is now moving into an ILCA 4. Noah thanked everyone in a very brief speech, which he tried, unsuccessfully, to subcontract to his friend Peter!
The best club trophy was awarded to Draycote. Draycote had 4 sailors in the top 10, Noah (1st), Keali (2nd), Peter Astley (3rd), and Henry Byrd (6th). Hollowell Sailing Club had 3 sailors in the top 10, William (4th), Finn Neal (5th) and Edward Croxton (8th). Middle Nene's sailors took 2 top 10 places, Frank (9th) and Joshua Gilson (10th). Northampton Sailing Club's Charlie O'Neill made up the top 10 (7th).
The series can't function without the support of the clubs, parents and volunteers. But it is the sailors that make the series, and we continue to attract enthusiastic young sailors which makes running the series so rewarding.
Next year we aim to start in April at Cransley. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page.