P&B Northamptonshire Youth Series finale at Draycote Water Sailing Club

The season finale took place at Draycote. The forecast was for a building breeze up to perhaps 14 knots. Sun cream was definitely required, but would the wind fill in as forecast? More than 40 sailors signed on, though there were a few notable absences with some schools having Saturday fixtures.

After a short briefing the sailors went afloat. Two large groups hit the winter in a variety of boats, all classes welcome! The breeze began to build causing a few capsizes, but generally everyone did remarkably well.

The odd water bottle went astray, but all seemed to be recovered (thanks Isaac!). We were fortunate to be joined by renowned coaches Steve and Millie Irish later in the morning. The sailors had a full morning of training, putting into practice everything that they've worked over the season.

P&B Northamptonshire Youth Series finale at Draycote - photo © Malcolm Lewin / www.malcolmlewinphotography.zenfolio.com/sail

Lunch provided some relief to weary legs.

And, onto the racing. Going into the final event the lead was incredibly close between Noah, the reigning champion and Peter and William. Would there be a new name on the overall series trophy?

The slow fleet was dominated by Thomas, Hollowell, in his Topper 4.2 scoring two firsts and discarding a second place. Finn, also from Hollowell, came second in his Optimist counting a second and a third. Benjamin, Draycote, came third in this Topper 4.2 (as well as winning wipe out of the day).

The Topper 5.3 fleet was won by Oscar from Draycote counting two firsts. Hollowell sailors Alex and William came second and third with three and four points respectively; it really couldn't have been closer.

P&B Northamptonshire Youth Series finale at Draycote - photo © Jon Hughes

The fast fleet was dominated by Peter, Draycote, in his ILCA 6 comfortably winning all three races. Ben, Draycote came second in his ILCA 4 with four points, and Noah, ILCA 4, came third with five points.

The conditions must have suited the fast fleet as the overall results for the day were identical to the fast fleet, Peter, winning from Ben and Noah.

There were a few gremlins with the results on the day with a few trophies being awarded in error - many apologies!

Draycote decided to up their game awarding a cake of the day trophy. This proved to be a little controversial, could a biscuit qualify? After some significant deliberation, and a really lovely tea, Ronni was awarded the coveted trophy (although the carrot cake really was pretty fantastic). Thanks to Rachel, Ronni and Becky.

Peter Astley wins the series overall - P&B Northamptonshire Youth Series finale at Draycote - photo © Jon Hughes

And so onto the overall prizes. At this point it would be inappropriate not to thank Pinnell & Bax who have sponsored the series for the umpteenth year. Thank you Nelly, we really do appreciate it.

Newcomer, the first timer trophy, was awarded to Aiyushi from Cransley - she finished 11th overall in her ILCA4.
Best under 13 sailor, the County Junior Cup, was awarded to Thomas, Topper, Hollowell.
Best under 16 sailor was once again awarded to Noah, Draycote.
Best under 19 sailor, the County Youth Cup, was awarded to Solomon, Middle Nene.

Team of the year went for the fourth consecutive year to Draycote, but Hollowell gave them a run for their money. Maybe 2025 will be their year.

Noah Byrd takes second overall in the series - P&B Northamptonshire Youth Series finale at Draycote - photo © Jon Hughes

Prizes were also awarded to the highest placed sailors in each fleet not winning another prize. They went to Jaspar, Draycote, fast fleet, William, Hollowell, Topper fleet and Finn, Hollowell, Slow fleet.

It was fantastic to award the overall series to Peter, Draycote. Peter has put in a tremendously consistent series taking the overall prize by two clear points. He gave a wonderful acceptance speech. Peter has worked really hard on his sailing and this really was a just reward.

The series couldn't run without the unstinting support of the six clubs, Banbury, Cransley, Draycote, Hollowell, Northampton, and Middle Nene. They all put on a tremendous day of coaching and sailing, not forgetting the fabulous sailors' teas. The series is led by Rachel Higgs who does a fantastic job coordinating the training and racing. And thanks as ever to the RYA who support and promote our events.

We're planning a winter program too. A couple of Sundays at Draycote and Northampton, an online series of training sessions led by Steve Irish, and a two day Easter training camp at Draycote. Not bad for a local circuit! We had over 100 sailors participate this year, a record! A huge number of these were first timers, who all receive a first timer medal.

All youth and junior sailors are welcome to join in the 2025 series, keep an eye out on our Facebook group for details!

P&B Northamptonshire Youth Series finale at Draycote - photo © Jon Hughes

Overall Series Results: