Dunford Friday Junior Racing 2020

Racing got under way on 10th July with great enthusiasm as Covid restrictions were eased. There were six completed races, with three others unfortunately abandoned, though youngsters were still turning up to ask about the course to be sailed when there was absolutely no wind or a howling gale.

Innovations this year were that adults were welcome as crew as long as they didn't coach, and that overall results are calculated per sailor, regardless of which boat he or she sails and whether crew or helm. This allows competitors to try different boats as helm or crew and still get a result.

In all, 57 young sailors took part in a variety of dinghies... Oppies, Teras, Fevas, Lasers, Aeros, 420s, 29ers and the Bullet. Five adults also braved it, the best placed being Simon Cameron followed by Philippa Vaughan, both crewing in Fevas. The highest turnout was 18 boats, which we think is the largest number ever in the series... maybe a Covid dividend.

Honours in the faster Fleet went to Albert Barber, and in the slower Fleet to Harry West. Overall it was Harry followed by Albert and 3rd Samuel Pontefract, 4th Kate Wharmby, 5th John Cameron, 6th equal Tom Wharmby, and George Overton, 8th Rebecca Vaughan, 9th equal Charlotte Stembridge and Leo Gosling.

Thanks again to our Race Officers Steve Green, Chris Knox, Chris Baldwick, Ken Hay and John Whyte who each took on the responsibility at least once. Also to our faithful shoreside supporters Frances Evans and Gill Baldwick and RIB crews the Crates and Trevelyans among others of course. Next year we hope to see more parents in helping roles.

Thanks also to Dunford Construction for the ten prizes, which will be in the form of vouchers, collectable from Nick Cox Chandlers. With regret no prize-giving ceremony this Covid year, however for those listed above your vouchers are waiting for you at Nick Cox!

Our mastermind Steve Green is happy to continue next year. He says he gets a lot of pleasure from working with such enthusiastic kids. Long may it continue!

More details and full results can be found here.