Northamptonshire Youth Series 2022 Leg 3 at Banbury Sailing Club

Northampton Youth Series Leg 3 © Norman Byrd

Glorious weather, light wind, and a brilliant sailing themed cake (thank you Jasmine) greeted the sailors at Banbury Sailing Club for leg three of this year's series.

As usual the sailors were split into slow, Topper and fast fleets under the watchful eye of head coach Rachel Heggs. The wind was a little fitful, but 22 sailors enjoyed the morning's training. Homemade lunch was enjoyed in and around the club.

The principal race office, Matt Best, a previous competitor, led the race briefing. He did a genuinely fantastic job delivering fair racing in one of his first open meetings. 3 back-to-back races were held. The wind remained unpredictable (of course the moment the racing finished the wind increased and stabilised!) which led to some slightly wacky races. Emily and Arthur Shaw laid on a super tea (lots of the sailors know the series as the "cake events") which was enjoyed before the prize-giving. Home sailor Ned Duffy, ILCA 6 won the fast fleet. William Shaw also a Banbury sailor, won the slow fleet in his optimist. Keali Rhodes from Northampton won the topper fleet from William Mawby-Groom who could have made it a Banbury home run!

The overall event was by William, 2nd place to Keali and 3rd was Noah Byrd from Draycote. After 3 events William Shaw is leading comfortably on 7 points from Noah Byrd on 13 with Amelie Renard in third on 30 points. Amelie is looking odds on to win the inaugural first timers' trophy, which is awarded based on the number of races started, decided if needed based on races completed before points are taken into consideration.

The next event is at Northampton Sailing Club on Saturday 20th August, be rigged and ready at 9.15am. Youth and junior sailors are welcome from all clubs.

Overall Results: