Please select your home edition
Edition
Savvy Navvy 2024

P&B Northampton Youth Series 2024 Round 3 at Hollowell Sailing Club

by Norman Byrd 21 Jun 18:21 UTC 15 June 2024
Northampton Youth Series Round 3 at Hollowell © Mark Greer

Wow. What an event! More than 50 sailors signed on for third round of this year's series. The sailing club rigging areas and car park were jam packed with enthusiastic youth and junior sailors.

The weather forecast was a bit of a mixed bag, but which ever forecast you chose to look at, it was going to be windier in the afternoon than the morning. In the end we had at least 3 seasons in one day, if not 4!

After a brief welcome, head coach Rachel split the sailors into groups based on experience. We had new to racing sailors (some of which were new to sailing), sailors that club raced, and sailors that had travelled to events and were confident racers.

With a small armada of coach boats on the water, the sailors went afloat. And what a sight it was! This, we think, was our largest ever event. We didn't think we'd ever have more than 50 sailors, but after the popularity of the events at Cransley and Middle Nene we were proved to be wrong. The reservoir was a picture as sailors learnt new skills, and practiced ones already learnt. The fleets were brought ashore at midday, with excellent timing. A terrific squall blew through over lunch, bringing stronger winds and so much rain that the reservoir's overflow was put to use. Lunch is worth a mention. 74 delicious hot lunches were rapidly served up by Hannah and Laura who didn't appear to bat an eyelid as the sailors queued up. Just as planned, the Red Arrows flew over just before the race briefing. We like to provide good entertainment when we can!

PROs Mike and Helen led the race briefing. We aim for 3 shortish back-to-back races. With sunshine and much stronger winds, more or less everyone went afloat.

The Topper fleet were the largest numerically with 19 boats signed on. William from the home club took the first win from Tom and Oscar, both Draycote. Oscar won the second race from William and Alex. The decider was won by Oscar from a dead heat of Alex and Hari (who was sailing the larger 5.3 rig). Oscar first, William second, Alex third.

The fast handicap was once again dominated by Peter, Draycote, in his ILCA6. Henry, Draycote ILCA4 (desperate to use his 6 rig but discretion proved the better part of valour given the wind) was second in the first race with Solomon, ILCA 6 Middle Nene third. Race two was again won by Peter, from Frank, Middle Nene ILCA 4 and Matilda, Cransley ILCA 4. The final race was very exciting with multiple capsizes on the final leg. Henry won it, Peter was second and Jasper, Draycote, ILCA 6 was third. Peter won the fast fleet, second was Henry, third was Frank.

The slow fleet had 3 different race winners. Joshua, Middle Nene, Tera Sport won the first race with Isaac second, Draycote Topper 4.2 and Arianne third, Middle Nene Tera Sport. Race two was won by Harry Ambery, Cransley, Tera Sport. Second was Finn, Hollowell, optimist and third Henry, Trearrdur Bay (Anglesey!). The final race was won by Harry Jarvis, Middle Nene Tera Sport. Finn took second from Henry. Finn did enough to win the slow fleet without winning a race, Joshua came second and Henry third.

Tired sailors came ashore in lovely warm and bright conditions, the morning drizzle having well and truly cleared off. Hannah and Laura continued the excellent catering with a splendid tea which was very much enjoyed whilst the race results were poured over.

9 sailors were awarded their first timer's medal. A brilliant achievement considering the conditions.

Overall, Oscar and Henry were tied on points for third place with Oscar winning it by virtue of winning the last race on overall handicap. Second place was won by William, and Peter won his second event in a row. Peter thanked all the competitors and volunteers. It was a really fabulous event. Almost 20 volunteers from the home club gave their time to help the sailors. Hollowell presented some fabulous prizes which were much appreciated. Thanks as ever to the RYA for funding our coach, and to P and B for supporting the event with series prizes.

Our series is going from strength to strength. All youth and junior sailors under 19 are welcome from all clubs. We are totally reliant on the 6 home clubs for putting on such good events, I am extremely grateful to them and our sponsors. These events are for new to racing sailors, as well as the more experienced. £10 for a single hander, or £15 for a double handed gets you a morning of coaching, 3 afternoon coached races and a party tea. How's that for good value!

The next round is at Banbury Sailing Club, 6th July, then Northampton 13th July and finally Draycote on September the 14th. Will we see 60 sailors?

Related Articles

British Moth Nationals at Hollowell
With an increased number of entries on previous years it was all set for a good event The British Moth Nationals were once again held at Hollowell Sailing Club from 7th to 9th August. With an increased number of entries on previous years it was all set for a good event. Posted on 17 Aug
ITCA Midlands Topper Travellers Series rounds 2&3
You'd think that the aftermath of recent named storms would create some strong winds You'd think that the aftermath of recent Storms Babette and Ciaran would create some strong winds for the most recent of the Midlands ITCA Travellers, and that's what most of us thought going into around 2 and 3 of the Midlands Topper Travellers Series. Posted on 14 Nov 2023
British Moth Nationals at Hollowell
A new and welcoming venue for the class The British Moth Nationals were held at a new venue for them on the 2nd to 4th August 2023. Hollowell Sailing Club were exceptionally welcoming hosts & opened the club the afternoon before the championship started to allow drop off and camping. Posted on 5 Aug 2023
ILCA Training and Open at Hollowell
Super Grand Prix weekend with UKLA funded coaching The weekend training and racing was called a Super Grand Prix due to being a special two day event with UKLA paying the two instructors. Posted on 10 Jul 2023
P&B Northamptonshire Youth Series at Hollowell
Blisteringly hot weather and light winds for the sailors Sailors from the Midlands enjoyed blisteringly hot weather and light winds at Hollowell Sailing Club for the second round of this year's series. As well as P&B sponsoring the event, we are extremely grateful to the RYA for funding our head coach. Posted on 27 Jun 2023
Midlands Topper Traveller 2022-2023 Series Round 4
Hollowell Sailing Club hosts the fleet on Saturday No sooner had the Midlands Topper Sailors completed Round 3 of our series just before Christmas; straight away in the new year Round 4 was upon us with Hollowell Sailing Club hosting the Topper fleet on Saturday 7th January 2023. Posted on 10 Jan 2023
Lasers/ILCAs at Hollowell
Warm welcome and drink service makes a big difference At 9am the first visitor's boat arrived and I greeted everyone with the offer of a hot drink; this small gesture, along with a hearty welcome, makes a big difference. Posted on 13 Jul 2022
Northants Youth Series Round 2 at Hollowell
Warm weather, bright sunshine and plenty of wind for the sailors Warm weather, bright sunshine and plenty of wind greeted sailors for the second round of the Northants Youth Series. Sailors attended from Banbury, Draycote, Cransley, Hollowell and Northampton sailing clubs. Posted on 28 Jun 2022
Midlands Topper Traveller at Hollowell
A different winner in every race, with some won by half a boat-length Round 4 of the Midlands Traveller 2021-2022 Series saw the Midlands Toppers head to Hollowell Sailing Club on Saturday 13th November as part of a planned eight-event series starting September and running through to March. Posted on 17 Nov 2021
2020 Solo Club Racing Championships
Racing across the country in a safe socially distanced manner With the 2020 Solo National championship cancelled, like many others due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the Class Association were keen to find ways of keeping its members engaged during these restricted times. Posted on 25 Jul 2020
Maritimo 2023 M600 FOOTERSavvy Navvy 2024