Britain’s future sailing stars set for Eric Twiname Junior Championships
by Will Carson, RYA 2 May 2018 12:31 BST
5-7 May 2018
2017 Eric Twiname Junior Championships © OnEdition / RYA
More than 280 of Britain's most promising young sailors will come together for a Bank Holiday battle at the 32nd Eric Twiname Junior Championships.
The iconic regatta, hosted by Rutland Sailing Club in conjunction with the Eric Twiname Trust, will take place in eight RYA-recognised classes – Optimist, RS Feva, Topper and Laser dinghies and four kinds of Bic Techno windsurfer.
The sailors, aged between 10 and 16, hail from the RYA's ten home countries and regions nationwide, and represent the very best in regional talent.
The regatta, named in memory of legendary sailor, author and journalist Eric Twiname, is regarded by many young racers as a rite of passage as they continue their journey to become top-level racers.
What's more, many of the country's most successful sailors count themselves as past competitor at the Eric Twiname Junior Championships.
Each of the sailors has been invited to compete at the regatta, held from May 5-7, after proving themselves among the top talent from their region.
"The Eric Twiname Junior Championships is an iconic event that's now been going for 32 years," said event director Chris Atherton, the RYA's Senior High Performance Manager.
"The regatta brings together the country's best regional sailors to compete for the coveted Eric Twiname Junior Championships title.
"The high standard of sailing these young sailors demonstrate never ceases to amaze me – and there is year-on-year improvement in each of the represented RYA junior recognised classes."
As well as three days of racing there will be a busy social schedule that includes inter-zone human table football, 'pony hoppers' inflatable horse racing and giant board games.
A series of talks for sailors and parents will take place over the regatta, including from two-time Olympic silver medallist Ian Walker, the RYA's Director of Racing, at 5pm on Sunday.
Full results will be posted here after each day's racing.
Stay up to date with all the latest news from the regatta at British Youth Sailing's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.