Northamptonshire Youth Series 2022 final leg at Cransley Sailing Club

Northamptonshire Youth Series final leg at Cransley © Norman Byrd

Cransley is a picturesque sailing club that appears a million miles from anywhere but is only 5 minutes from the large East Midlands town of Kettering. As befitted the final event of the series we had a large turnout with plenty of first timers taking part from the home club. Nigel Austin, club commodore, led the briefing and three large fleets hit the water.

The wind was light and fluky but stable enough for a few effective hours of coaching and training. The rookie fleet, coached by Nigel, made their way around the reservoir having a thoroughly lovely time. The toppers and the fast fleet combined whilst head coach Rachel took the slow fleet.

After a hot lunch the impatient sailors went afloat to race. We were delighted to be joined by Tim Hall, regional performance manager from the RYA.

The overall series was still to be decided although it looked to be between William Shaw the current leader, and Noah Byrd. The breeze had stabilised a little but was still light.

The home club was well represented in the fast fleet with Cerella Davies, Comet, and Astara Davies, ILCA, pushing overall winners Olivia and JJ York in their Feva.

Topper overall winner Keali Rhodes leads Oscar Rowe - Northamptonshire Youth Series final leg at Cransley - photo © Matthew O'Neill

Keali Rhodes, Northampton, took up where she left in her Topper winning all three races. Draycote sailors Peter Astley and Oscar Rowe took second and third, Peter's result being particularly notable given that this is his first year of racing and travelling.

Noah Byrd, Draycote, was determined to give William a run for his money and took the first two slow fleet races. The wind around the lake was a little unpredictable at times resulting in the fleet sailing up an arm of the lake in a particular order and leaving it in another. After two races Noah had won the day's event with two firsts, but William was still leading the overall series.

It would all hinge on the final race of the day, the final race of the series.

Noah led until perhaps the last leg when he was overtaken by William's brother, Tristan. Tristan's win in the final race shook the overall series up. Noah and William tied on 7 points after discard, with the win going to Noah. A cruelly close result after five separate events.

Fast fleet winners Olivia and JJ York - Northamptonshire Youth Series final leg at Cransley - photo © Matthew O'Neill

The prize-giving was well attended after a super tea laid on by Cransley (perhaps the best tea of the series, we ought to have a prize for that!).

Six first timers received their first event medal. Tim awarded spot prizes which were gratefully received.

This year we awarded a best newcomer. This rewards participation with the trophy being decided based on the number of races started, then using races finished and points if needed. It was extremely close, but Amelie Renard representing Draycote in her optimist was the inaugural winner. Amelie finished in seventh overall, an amazing result for a first-time competitor who is only 10. Peter Astley finished one place behind in the overall results.

The best club trophy was retained by the Draycote sailors for a second year. Pinnell and Bax kindly sponsored the series and many sailors went home with a prize.

The overall series prizes were awarded to:
Slow fleet, Noah Byrd.
Topper fleet, Keali Rhodes.
Fast fleet Olivia and JJ York.
The best under 13 trophy was awarded to Noah Byrd.
The best under 16 trophy was awarded to Tristan Shaw.
The best under 19 trophy was awarded to Tom Chapman.

The best overall sailor was Noah Byrd (who gave a slightly embarrassed acceptance speech).

Tom Chapman, U19 winner - Northamptonshire Youth Series final leg at Cransley - photo © Matthew O'Neill

The series was a thorough success this year. We are keen to welcome junior sailors from all clubs, not just the 5 "home" clubs. We are particularly keen to encourage and welcome sailors of all standards and abilities in all classes of boats including Hansa and Access classes.

Thank you to the five home clubs who put in a tremendous amount of work in making the events run smoothly, Pinnell and Bax, head coach Rachel Heggs and to our enthusiastic sailors and their families.

The series will recommence in the late spring next year, please follow on www.facebook.com/northamptonshireyouthseries and, who knows, we might even return to Middle Nene sailing club!

Overall winner Noah leads Tristan and William Shaw - Northamptonshire Youth Series final leg at Cransley - photo © Matthew O'Neill

Series Overall Results:

Northamptonshire Youth Series final leg at Cransley - photo © Tim Hall