RYA NE Youth Travellers Series at Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club
by Nicky Leech 5 Jun 2019 10:03 BST
28 April - 26 May 2019
Derwent North East Youth Travellers regatta © Dave Saunders
A fabulous 35 boats were on the water at Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club for the latest round of the RYA NE Youth Travellers Series.
The fleet of Laser 4.7s, Teras, Toppers, optimists and a 29er provided some interesting hotly contested junior handicap racing. Race officer Howard provided a comprehensive briefing including a simple explanation (and warning) about the U flag before the fleet ventured out to try their skills on a simple triangular course. Light shifty winds provided race officer and sailors alike with some challenging decisions. Despite wild swings in wind direction and much mark manouvering, four races were completed. Overall winner was Derwents own Oppie sailor Adam Bell just ahead of the Laser 4.7 of Henry Redmond from Covenham SC and in third place Matthew Rayner from Yorkshire dales SC in a Tera sport. First sailor under 10 years was George Spence from Ripon SC and special recognition went to eight year old Rory Polwart who completed his first ever open meeting.
The sportsmanship and fair sailing witnessed was impressive and there were plenty of grins as sailors came in at the end of the day.
The RYA NE Youth Travellers series provides junior and youth sailors with opportunity to visit other clubs in the region and participate in inclusive friendly racing. For some this is their first taste of participating in events away from their home club providing that all important parental training in boat transport!