Junior Reggatta at Aldeburgh Yacht Club

Established in 1999 the AYC Junior Reggata has blossomed to become one of the largest events of its kind. Held between the 6th and 11th of August the regatta featured 115 boats with 210 competitors. The event is unique in its fleets’ diversity and the sheer range of sailing abilities it manages to encompass, for some this regatta is a chance for a first voyage and for the future Olympiads it’s a opportunity to shine.

Sunny conditions prevailed throughout the week, the rain remaining at bay while the competitors, aged between 9 and 19, took to the water in both the morning and afternoon series. Winds built throughout the competition. Light northerlies against a forceful tide initially provided testing conditions for less experienced competitors. However momentum built heralding some more exhilarating force fours that featured during the latter stages of the event.

These conditions proved the perfect formula for Roo Clarke, who emerged as Victor Ludorum after dominating the Optimist class during both AM and PM racing. Similarly Oliver Greenburgh’s victories saw him over shadow the Topper class in both series while the Handicap A was headed by Paddy Daniell in his Laser during the morning sessions and Jamie Mayhew, also in a Laser, during the afternoon.

The Handicap B class attested to be the most popular of the week, consisting of 41 entries predominantly in RS Fevas and Topazes. Jamie Bolingbrooke crewed by Tom Rose was victorious in this competitive fleet. Handicap C’s morning racing was won by Harry Embleton with Toby Skailes in a Pico and Hannah and Willfred Wheatley’s Mirror took first in the afternoon.