Junior Week at Mengeham Rythe Sailing Club
by Carol Carter 12 Aug 2011 16:38 BST
1-5 August 2011
Competitors taking part in Junior Week at Mengeham Rythe Sailing Club, Hayling Island, during the first week in August enjoyed an action packed event with some challenging sailing conditions.
With 113 young sailors taking part, the boats were split into 4 fleets. The more experienced sailors in Red Fleet sailed in the open waters of Chichester Harbour, Blue Fleet, for those with some racing experience, sailed in the more sheltered area over West Mud along with Gold Fleet (plus), for those new to racing. Those with very limited sailing experience joined Gold Fleet for a fun week of activities ashore and afloat near the clubhouse.
The first day proved quite challenging for many of the young sailors with a wind force 3 to 4 and occasional strong gusts, plus a sea mist that rolled in towards to end of the afternoon. On day two the wind was lighter but enough for all the fleets to run races. The third day had the best weather and wind conditions and there were smiles all round especially for those in the Gold fleets who enjoyed a long distance sail and a picnic.
On the Thursday morning Hayling Island was under a big rain storm, with a strong gusty wind. The Gold and Blue Fleets postponed all racing for the day, but the more experienced sailors in Red Fleet, who were able to cope with the wind strength, enjoyed some more challenging sea conditions over Pilsey Sands during the afternoon when the rain stopped.
All the fleets sailed on the last day but gusty wind conditions resulted in some early retirements.
The competitors and many of the 50 plus volunteers running the event also had the chance to test their sailing skills during the radio controlled yachting tournament held on the club's salt pond.
At the prizegiving, the Commodore, Bill Rowlands, who presented the cups and prizes donated by the sponsors Fat Face and Focus Watersports, said how delighted he was to see so many young sailors taking part in the event and enjoying the week.
Results:
Red Fleet:
1st in the Fast Mixed Divison – Oli George-Taylor (LSC) Laser Radial
1st in the Laser 4.7/RS Feva Division – Robert Masterman & Marcus Payne (HISC) RS Feva
1st in RS Tera/Mirror Division – Henry Jameson (HISC) RS Tera
1st in the Topper/Pico Division – Rufus King (HISC) Topper
The overall winner in Blue Fleet was Sophia Lewis (MRSC) RS Tera, and in Gold Fleet (Plus) the overall winner was Jessica Easton (MRSC), RS Tera. Other prizes were also awarded.
For the full race results go to www.mengeham.org.uk