YOO Youth Regatta at Bowmoor Sailing Club

Will Hopes wins the YOO Youth Regatta at Bowmoor © Doug Roberts

Toby Banbrook finishes as 1st junior during the YOO Youth Regatta at Bowmoor © Doug Roberts

On Saturday 4th July 2015, Bowmoor hosted a youth regatta sponsored by YOO The Lakes. The event comprised 4 handicap races in order to attract a wide range of experiences and classes. Some very bold members camped on the Friday night and endured a very exciting thunder storm which circled for 90-minutes or so with some exceptional lightening! However, the storm cleared the air and Saturday provided perfect sailing weather with a breezy south westerly wind, sunshine and warm temperatures.

A total of 24 young sailors took part sailing in 10 different classes. There was also a really good spread of experience from seasoned travellers to those competing in their first ever Open event. The race officer, John Banbrook, set a simple square course for the first race to build confidence for those racing for the first time and then was able to take advantage of the wind direction to set more complex courses for each of the following races.

Charlie Sansom from Bowmoor Sailing Club won the first race on h'cap in his Byte CII, with Will Hopes from Whitefriars Sailing Club sailing his Laser Radial in a close second place. The second race, included a second short beat, which Will took full advantage of to win, closely followed by Huw Nunn from Bowmoor in his Laser 4.7.

After a break for lunch on the patio in beautiful sunshine, the stage was set for good racing and close results in the afternoon with the final 2 races being sailed back-to-back. Toby Banbrook in his Optimist, took the third race on h'cap, potentially throwing the competition wide open; however, a further second place from Will Hopes put him in a very strong position. Huw Nunn posted a 4th place and Charlie Sansom dropped places with a 7th.

With another new course, shifty and gusty breezes everything hung on the final race. Huw Nunn took 1st place, but a further 2nd from Will Hopes gave him first place overall.

A great day was had by all with good competition throughout the fleet. There was also some excellent examples of good sportsmanship with more experienced sailors taking a lenient approach on the start line and mark rounding with their less experienced colleagues, thereby setting a great example and creating a competitive but friendly regatta - perfect for first time regatta sailors! The day finished with a bring-your-own BBQ for those able to stay.

Overall Results: