Fun in the sun on the opening day of the at Eric Twiname Junior Championships
by Will Carson, RYA 5 May 2018 22:11 BST
5-7 May 2018
A lack of wind didn't stop more than 280 junior sailors having a fantastic opening day to the 32nd Eric Twiname Junior Championships on Saturday. Laughter rang out around Rutland Water as the youngsters, aged between 10 and 16, messed about on their boats in the glorious sunshine.
The sailors hail from the RYA's ten home countries and regions nationwide, and represent the very best in regional talent.
Racing will now start in eight RYA-recognised classes – Optimist, RS Feva, Topper and Laser dinghies and four kinds of Bic Techno windsurfer – tomorrow, weather depending.
"The weather in Rutland was simply beautiful today but unfortunately the wind didn't play ball," said regatta director Chris Atherton, the RYA's senior high performance manager.
"There was no end of fun being had out on the water however, and everyone had a fantastic day regardless of the racing. That's really what events like this are all about."
The iconic regatta, hosted by Rutland Sailing Club in conjunction with the Eric Twiname Trust, runs until Monday 7 May.
It is named in memory of legendary sailor, author and journalist Eric Twiname, and is regarded by many young racers as a rite of passage as they continue their journey to become top-level racers.
As well as the racing there's a busy social schedule that includes inter-zone human table football and giant board games.
Stay up to date with all the latest news from the regatta at British Youth Sailing's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.