On Saturday 6th of October the yoo Youth Regatta was held at Bowmoor Sailing Club in beautiful sunshine but only a very light breeze.
Most of the competitors were from the home club Bowmoor but with most of the top Junior sailors being away at open meetings it was a chance for the less experienced racers to have their day in the sunshine.
There was 5 different types of boats sailed ranging from 3 Optimists to a Solo and a Laser with ages from 8 to 18. As the wind was coming from the North the OOD Rob Napier and his team opted for a committee boat start on the far side of the lake. By the time that the boats had made their way out to the start line the wind had disappeared completely so the postponement flag went up.
While they were waiting for the breeze to return a paddling race was held which was won by Mathew Beck in his optimist. Eventually the breeze came back and the sailing could begin. Stuart Bailey (Tewksbury SC and Bowmoor) established and early lead in his Solo and held this until the finish followed by Mathew Beck in his optimist (age 11) and Mathew Banbrook in his Optimist (age 8).
The second race followed straight after the first race and Natasha Tustin (age 9) in her Terra Sport got an excellent start and was leading at the first mark and went on to finish 3rd with Stuart in 1st and Mathew Beck in 2nd.
After lunch there was a Le Mans type start with the sailors running to their boats and setting sail. Unfortunately Mathew Banbrook fell during the running part but got up to finish 4th with Stuart 1st, Mathew Beck 2nd and Charlie Sansom (age 12) 3rd in his Topper. This was followed straight away by the 4th race in a decreasing breeze which made it very difficult for the sailors. Stuart was 1st, Matthew Beck 2nd and Natasha 3rd. Despite the lack of wind the sailors all enjoyed themselves.
1st Stuart Bailey Solo Age 18
2nd Matthew Beck and 1st Junior Optimist Age 11
3rd Matthew Banbrook Optimist Age 8
4th and 1st Girl Natasha Tustin Terra Age 9
5th Joe Harper Laser Age 13
6th Rhys Walker Optimist Age 8
7th Charlie Sansom Topper Age 12
8th Annabelle Williams Topper Age 13
