P&B Northamptonshire Youth Series Round 1 at Cransley Sailing Club

Round 1 (out of 4) was held at Cransley on 13 May 2018. 33 youngsters (11 first time competitors of this event) took part in a mixture of morning training sessions and 3 afternoon races. It is designed to be the first step on the competitive ladder and has been hugely popular over the years.

The three training sessions involved starting, tacking on windshifts and sailing a triangular course. The first session on starting saw many of the sailors being tutored by the instructor using Cransleys secret training weapon – bone induction headsets !!.

The tips picked up in the morning were used in the racing later as the winds of Force 1-2 proved just right for the majority of the sailors allowing them to all finish at least 2 out of the 3 races.

Because of the wide variety of ages, boats and skill sets, this form of event can be fraught with danger and there are still some lessons to be learnt by all as to how to retain the magic of sailing whilst looking to progress the skills without scaring off newcomers. More experienced helping the less experienced has to be the way at this level in a positive manner on and off the water.

In terms of the racing the faster boats Lasers and Toppers did take advantage of the lighter winds in all 3 races but the dogged determination of many of the slower boats to complete in the light winds was commendable.

The results are attached but well done to all, especially to Charlie Guyett (Topper) and Charlie Sleet (Laser Radial) from Cransley (1st and 2nd overall) and to Finlay Scull (Laser Radial) from Hollowell (3rd overall).

Many thanks to all who helped with the event.

Overall Results: