Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo 2023 S600 LEADERBOARD

First Regional Junior Championships a 'huge success'

by British Sailing Team Media 1 Oct 2018 15:37 UTC 29-30 September 2018
Regional Junior Championships © British Sailing Team

British Youth Sailing's debut Regional Junior Championships has been hailed an overwhelming success after more than one thousand youngsters took to the water this weekend.

Children aged between six and 16 travelled from far and wide to eight venues across the UK for two days of fun afloat in British Youth Sailing's recognised dinghy and windsurfer classes.

Among those taking part were some of the nation's most promising young racers, as well as a host of kids getting their first taste of sailing.

The Regional Junior Championships were previously known as the RYA Zone Championships, but the decision was taken to change the name so as to truly reflect the nature of the regattas: a fun, inclusive festival of sailing for under 16s regardless of ability, but with a championship element for serious racers.

For the first time, competitors were split into three fleets – a new Fun OnBoard fleet for newcomers, a coached regatta fleet for those developing their racing skills and a championship fleet for experienced racers.

Members of the British Sailing Team including Rio 2016 Olympians Saskia Tidey and Ali Young were also on hand at a number of venues to talk to competitors and give them coaching tips.

Regattas were held in each of the RYA's regions and home countries:

  • East – Grafham Water SC, Huntingdon, Cambs
  • London and South East – Queen Mary SC, Ashford, Surrey
  • South and South West – WPNSA, Portland, Dorset
  • North – Ullswater SC, Ullswater, Cumbria
  • Midlands – Northampton SC, Northampton, East Midlands
  • Scotland – Helensburgh SC, Helensburgh
  • Wales – Pembrokeshire YC, Milford Haven
  • Northern Ireland – Royal North of Ireland YC, Cultra, Co. Down

Competitors raced in all manner of conditions, from light winds and blue skies to strong breeze and driving rain.

Whatever the weather, the smiles remained glued to the faces of the children taking part.

Along with prizes for event winners there were a range of prizes for sailors exhibiting the British Youth Sailing Values and Behaviours and showing a passion for the sport.

"What a fantastic weekend everyone had at the Regional Junior Championships," said Mark Nicholls, the RYA's Youth Racing Manager.

"It was a massive success, with thousands of young sailors from all over the UK taking part in a real celebration of our sport.

"Seeing so many smiling, happy young people totally involved and engaged both on and off the water was wonderful.

"We enjoyed the biggest total turnout we've ever seen, and there was some real talent on show. The future of sailing is bright."

Competitors have until Friday October 5 to enter British Youth Sailing's photo competition, with prizes to be won.

To enter, upload your best photos of the event to Instagram and tag British Youth Sailing (@britishyouthsailing) or use the hashtag #RJC2018. The winners will be announced shortly after the competition closes.

Full results from each of the regattas can be found here

For the all the latest news, photos and videos from the Regional Junior Championships, stay tuned to British Youth Sailing's social media channels: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Related Articles

Marine Auctions: June online auctions
Bidding to open on Friday 20th June The Bidding for the June Online Auction will commence on Thursday 20th June and will end on Thursday 26th June at 2pm AEST. Posted on 7 Jun
Bulwarks and Bulldust – watch Episode Five
Episode Five - Shane Subichin, The Boat Works - is now up and running Watch along as we speak with Shane Subichin, GM at The Boat Works about his life from tinnies on Sydney Harbour to leading the team at the premier refit and maintenance yard on the Gold Coast. Posted on 6 Jun
New Formula 360 Crossover Bowrider
An exciting new generation of Formula dayboats has arrived An exciting new generation of Formula dayboats has arrived with the upcoming debut of the all-new Formula 360 Crossover Bowrider. Posted on 5 Jun
Michael Rybovich & Sons construction updates
Progress on hulls from 84', 62' down to 42' New construction updates of 70' S/F Hull # 9, 42' S/F hull #10, 75' S/F hull #11, 84' S/F - Hull # 12. Posted on 5 Jun
A very clear video for overhead casting
Stop fly casting 10-2 and start using this method for longer casts Lyall and Nathan have spoken to me often of how to advance beyond the clock face 10-2 using the terms translation before rotation. Posted on 4 Jun
Valhalla 55 Sport Yacht - Ready to ride
Making her highly anticipated debut in Atlantic City The Valhalla 55 Sport Yacht makes her highly anticipated debut in Atlantic City, New Jersey – and it's more than a new model. Posted on 4 Jun
NOAA reduces Atlantic bluefin tuna retention limit
The adjusted limits will take effect June 3, 2025 and extend through December 31, 2025 On May 29, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced adjustments to the Atlantic bluefin tuna daily retention limits for recreational anglers. Posted on 3 Jun
Delegation urges state control of red snapper
Expressing "strong support for a state-led framework to ensure science-based stewardship" South Carolina's congressional delegation, led by Congressman Russell Fry and joined by U.S. Senators, formally urged U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to transfer management of the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery to the states. Posted on 2 Jun
Bayliss Boatworks new construction updates
Big Deal's final touches are coming together beautifully Gearing up for her christening later this month, Big Deal's final touches are coming together beautifully. Posted on 2 Jun
Bulwarks and Bulldust – watch Episode Four
Episode Four - Mark Elkington, The Yacht Sales Co. - is now up and running Watch along as we speak with Mark Elkington from The Yacht Sales Co. about his transition from a West Australian crayfisherman to a global sales and support organisation par excellence. Posted on 30 May
Palm Beach Motor YachtsMaritimo 2023 M600 FOOTER