Starcross Junior Regatta 2023

Startline during the Starcross Junior Regatta 2023 © Tom Wild

Big waves during the Starcross Junior Regatta 2023 © Tom Wild

19th - 22nd August 2023 saw the third Starcross Junior Regatta take place on the glorious River Exe. Racing was extremely competitive - although first place in both fleets was a conclusive win, there were several bunches of boats where placings were only decided after the last race, with some of the Gold Fleet placings being decided on countback.

As ever though, this regatta is about more than competitive racing, and this year featured an exceptional volunteer-run galley more akin to a food festival than a junior regatta, a sailing trip to Dawlish Warren, and the usual camping over on Saturday night.

Here, four of the junior sailors who competed give their report of the event.

"If someone were to ask me if they should do the junior regatta even though they aren't very good at sailing, I would tell them that they should..." William Longthorpe

"What is so special and unique about the Starcross Yacht Club Junior Regatta is that no matter what the outcome of the race, everyone leaves with a prize" Connie Laver

"I now feel much more confident sailing" Taryn Trehern

One bright and sunny morning... The estuary was looking promising, and the sailors were rigging. Some in Fevas, some in Teras, Picos, Lasers, and Toppers. There was almost every kind of boat. Generally, people rigged in shifts, taking turns to have breakfast (a buffet of pastries, sausages, breads and spreads), step their masts, attach their rudders and thread the main sheet along the booms. First Gold fleet launched, shortly (I say shortly, I mean there was a long queue) followed by Silver fleet. Rudder into the water, daggerboard down, sheet in, and away! James Scott Baker

My name is Taryn, I am eleven years old, and I attended the Starcross regatta, racing in the silver fleet. I personally enjoyed the four days of racing as each day I improved my sailing skills. The weather condition on the first three days were exceptionally gusty and challenging, but on the final day there was barely any wind!

The second day was the most exciting for me, my Tera was fun to sail and responsive. I didn't capsize during the races, even though the waves were hauling my dinghy to and fro. The water was choppy and the wind was forceful, making me concentrate ever the more on my sailing.

The course laid out for us was designed in a challenging aspect, that I found great to learn from, as we had to sail on many different reaches.

I now feel much more confident sailing and I would like to give thanks to all the people that gave me advice during the regatta, to the organisers of this sailing event, and the people in the galley that fed us all delicious meals.

Even though the weather was difficult at times, I still had a lot of fun and can't wait to compete in my next regatta. Taryn Trehern

ILCAs during the Starcross Junior Regatta 2023 - photo © Tom Wild

We started the day three with a delicious breakfast. My gold wristband meant that I was able to choose anything I wanted from the extensive menu. I opted a few croissants and a pain aux chocolate.

On this day, the conditions were light to start with, but then they picked up for the 3rd race. The light winds at the beginning were useful as they helped us gain race experience in different conditions. It also meant that it wasn't just the best heavy wind sailors that could win or place high on the scoreboard (which was more important in gold fleet than silver).

There were three races on Day 3, with my favourite being race two where I exceeded my expectations by finishing higher than I imagined. It was great to see such camaraderie amongst the sailors, with everyone smiling and having a good time.

If someone were to ask me if they should do the junior regatta even though they aren't very good at sailing, I would tell them that they should as in silver fleet its more about what you learn and how much you improve, rather than how good at sailing or racing you are. When they become a better sailor and want to sail in gold fleet, whilst they still learn, it is more focused on the racing side as they are more experienced.

At Starcross everyone is very helpful and eager to assist, such as organising this event and undertaking different roles: briefing, safety boats, race officer and food. Even though they are doing that, they still find time to help people by giving advice, helping rigging boats and organising a trip down to Dawlish Warren after the first day to play games and letting people share boats on the way down to Dawlish. I had a great time and can't wait until next year. William Longthorpe

Feva during the Starcross Junior Regatta 2023 - photo © Tom Wild

Tuesday was the final day and was significantly less windy than was forecast. As a result, the first race went quite slowly and some of the RS Fevas struggled to get their spinnakers to fill. Due to the shiftiness and lack of wind, the second race was postponed but lots of us enjoyed a little swim whilst we waited.

As the wind was not picking up, the committee boat and the race officer decided to abandon the second race but with 9 races completed over the four days this did not cause an issue with the scores and we had had plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. Once everyone was safely off the water, the results (without any protests) were posted and there was an opportunity to question any results or to protest.

Gybe during the Starcross Junior Regatta 2023 - photo © Tom Wild

Whilst the final scores were being calculated, we enjoyed a great lunch and drinks from the galley (thank you to the volunteers who did an amazing job, we're incredibly lucky!). After a while, it was time for the prize-giving.

What is so special and unique about the Starcross Yacht Club Junior Regatta is that no matter what the outcome of the race, everyone leaves with a prize, whether that be a prize from a sponsor or a mug.

Some of these prizes are gifted to the club by other club members, and are awarded for other attributes in sailing, such as resilience, kindness and sportsmanship. This really encourages young sailors to get involved and just give it a go.

I really enjoy taking part in this event when I can because it is an opportunity to give other boats a try, meet new people and overall, just enjoy the sport. I really hope that this Regatta continues for many years to come. Connie Laver

Big thanks to those organisations who sponsored and donated prizes: Exeter School, Tozers, Exe Sails, Admiral Trailers, RYA.

Also to the volunteers who ran such a fantastic galley provision, masterminded and lead by Richard Stoneman.

And to the parents and helpers who gave up their time to organise and run the event.

We will be back - keep an eye on www.starcrossyc.org.uk/juniors-hub

Overall Results:

Gold Fleet

Silver Fleet