Oxford Youth Open Regatta 2025
by Will Spivey and Tom Cochrane 26 Sep 13:52 BST
20 September 2025
Oxford Youth Open Regatta © Brian Snelling
Youth sailing is a key focus for any club. Healthy clubs have a healthy youth membership. Oxford Sailing Club benefits from the expanse that is Farmoor reservoir and has a rich youth heritage as a recognised venue for many significant events.
This was an inaugural event which pitched a slightly different formula at youngsters. No sight of 29ers or 420's at this event. The entries to this event were from a large variety of classes and the competitors had a wide range of experience and ability. Topper, ILCA, Firefly, Tera, Feva and Fusion were all present. The vision was to encourage and to motivate sailors from Oxford and surrounding clubs and create lasting memories along the way.
The event, with over 30 boats and over 45 competitors entered, went ahead with the fleet split over two courses. This, together with a forecast of more wind to come that afternoon, set the scene for the day.
One course, (Windward/Leeward), comprised Fireflys and ILCA's. The Fireflys were principally from a couple of local schools and it was quickly evident (and audible) that there was plenty of team racing experience and familiarity amongst this fleet. Competition was intense at times but the spirit and energy of the sailing was always positive. Andrew and Jack sailing for Oxford SC came out on top in a tight battle with George and Lizzie from Magdalen College School. Others were never far behind. Toby (Whitefriars SC) in his ILCA 6 took class honors and sailed beautifully all day. He was far ahead of the battling Fireflys. He won 4 out of 5 in this fleet which gave him the overall win. Benji (Oxford SC) was close enough to capitalize on any mistakes from Toby and took a win in the second race. The wind strengthened later in the afternoon and the less experienced boats took the wise decision to head in early under the guidance of the ever-attentive safety boats.
The other course, (Trapezoid), had a larger and more mixed fleet comprising the RYA Junior Pathway Toppers, Fevas and Teras, plus the local training boats (Fusions). The Feva's (like the Fireflys on the other course) had excellent close racing between them all day. By lunchtime, Youhan and Ted (Magdalen College School) were neck and neck with Eliza and Elina (Oxford SC). Youhan and Ted came out on top of this class and finished 4th overall in the fleet. Amy (Whitefriars SC) won the Tera class after an especially strong performance in the breezier conditions of the afternoon. She finished 3rd overall in the fleet. Karolina (Aylesbury SC) was first in the Fusions and 2nd overall in the fleet and that was achieved without a bung in the boat! An amazing performance considering, but what if...? Out front was Tristan (West Oxfordshire SC) in his Topper putting in a dominant and stylish performance winning 3 races in the fleet to take first place overall.
Prizes, of an edible and wearable nature, were duly awarded and not just for podium places. The organisers were careful to consider the nature of the event and have prizes awarded for other achievements. These included capsize of the day, perseverance, resilience and of course to Karolina for sailing/submarining without a bung. A Team prize was also awarded to Magdalen College School for their notable and enthusiastic contribution to this event.
The whole event was beautifully captured by event photographer Richard Benns. The success of the event was immediately evident from the smiles and laughter in the clubhouse afterwards. Most competitors gathered around the large screen watching the images from the day playing back. Quotes about the event included, "I loved the course and the great atmosphere with lots of other kids,"
and also, "easily the most fun event I have sailed in over the last 18 months".
Everyone involved with the organising was delighted with the success and the execution on the day. The vision and the formula was well thought out and many happy and lasting memories were created. Watch this space for more of the same soon from the youth team at Oxford Sailing Club. We think we're onto something with this style of event formula!