Blackwater Sailing Club Cadets Shine at RYA Eric Twiname Championships
by Gay Ayton 11 May 17:33 BST
2-4 May 2026
Some of the East Team at the Eric Twiname Championships © Iain Marshall
The Blackwater Sailing Club (BSC) is proud to announce that four of its young cadets proudly represented the Club at the prestigious RYA Eric Twiname Junior Championships over the May Bank Holiday weekend, hosted at Rutland Sailing Club.
Established in1980 the Eric Twiname Trust continues to play a vital role in supporting junior sailing and funds a wide range of events that help develop young sailors both on and off the water. The Eric Twiname Trust Junior Championships, widely regarded as one of the highlights of the youth sailing calendar, combine high quality racing with a strong emphasis on fun, friendship and enjoyment onshore as well.
This year's three-day regatta attracted almost 300 of the country's best and most promising young sailors, competing in Optimists, Toppers, windsurfers, RS Teras, RS Fevas and ILCA 4s.
BSC was superbly represented by Matthew Marshall and Leonie Fairhead in the Optimist fleet, Amelie Fairhead in the RS Feva and Callum Marshall in the highly competitive ILCS 4 class. All four sailors delivered outstanding performances against exceptionally strong national fleets reflecting both their dedication and the continued strength of the club's thriving cadet programme.
The results achieved by BSC sailors also contributed to the East Region securing both the coveted Eric Twiname Regional Dinghy Trophy and the overall Eric Twiname Championship Trophy
A special mention must go to Callum Marshall who sailed an exceptional series to win the ILCA 4 event outright. Over the ten-race series, Callum led from day one and demonstrated remarkable consistency and composure, recording top three finishes in every race including an impressive five race wins. It was a truly outstanding achievement and a fitting highlight to an excellent regatta for Blackwater Sailing Club.
Jonny Garlick, Cadet Skipper at the Blackwater Sailing Club, said: "We are incredibly proud of all four sailors for representing the Club with such skill, determination and sportsmanship at one of the UK's premier junior sailing events. Their performances are testament to the hard work they put in throughout the season and also to the enthusiasm within our cadet section. Congratulations to the East Region too on winning both Championship Trophies."
Helping develop the champions of the future, the Blackwater Sailing Club is an RYA Affiliated and Pathway Club and its Sailing School is a recognised training establishment for members covering dinghy sailing, powerboat tuition and first aid training.
For further information about visiting and joining the Club, contact membership secretary or visit blackwatersailingclub.org.uk