Leigh & Lowton's Junior Winter Regatta and Northern Feva Championships 2025

Junior Winter Regatta at Leigh & Lowton © Lindsay Welfare

Following the torrential rain of New Years Eve, and the looming forecast of snow, 36 Junior and Youth sailors from across the northern region travelled to Leigh and Lowton Sailing Club for the Junior Winter Regatta and Northern Feva Championships on Saturday 4th January. They were rewarded with 3 races in light, chilly but dry conditions.

With an ESE breeze filling in gently as sailors arrived, Mike Baldwin and his team set up a trapezoid course with the start just off the club which made for good spectating and emergency trips ashore for repairs.

Two races were sailed before lunch in an average 3.5 knots. Feva 5424 Laia and Oscar from Ullswater had a consistent lead, with those chasing deciding in light airs that not flying the kite may be a better option on the leeward legs. In the handicap fleet, Annabelle from Hollingworth led the toppers in both races but was beaten in the first race by Alex from LLSC in his Optimist.

Junior Winter Regatta at Leigh & Lowton alongside Northern Feva Championships - photo © Lindsay Welfare

Everyone was ready for a warm lunch and a chance to thaw out hands and feet, before launching again for a third race in similar conditions. The handicap fleet had a general recall but got away clear under black flag. The Fevas had close racing, with Isobel and Isla from West Kirby SC winning, and Poppy winning the handicap race to make it a family affair.

Boats were packed away swiftly before prize-giving and everyone headed home, before snow fell across the northern region.

Thank you to OOD Mike Baldwin, the race and rescue team, galley team for supplying us with hot drinks and food, and particularly sailors and their supporters for braving the forecast and supporting the event, including 10 Fevas from the region showing the strength of Feva sailing in the north, including 5 boats from Windermere School.

The LLSC Winter Series continues with Tipsy Icicle starting 5th January and continuing until middle March.

Junior Winter Regatta at Leigh & Lowton - photo © Lindsay Welfare

Handicap Fleet Results:

RS Feva Results: