> > LRSC Brass Monkeys Series started 9th Jan > > The Sailing Club youth race training group, all in ILCAs, merged with club racers on Sunday for the first of the Brass Monkeys series. They crewed 7 of the 12-dinghy total, 6 as helms, and gave the adults close competition. An Ad Hoc series of short races followed, allowing further practice for those new to a larger fleet. Starting now, with fewer boats on the start line is a good introduction, and coaches Jerry Rook and Graham Cook intend to continue the merger. Several youth members are already keen racers. >
> > > Rigging on the slipway, l to r: Ben, Ferdy, Josh, Elliott, Tom, Ed. > > An off-shore NW shift wind was deceptive from the shelter of the Cobb, but a keen breeze and some ‘lovely rolling waves’ (quote T O) made for great racing. > Jerry and Stefan set a windward/leeward course, monitored from the club deck by Dave Law and assistants. > > Brass Monkeys 1 and 2. > Even without any reaches, Tim O’Toole and Simon Law (Albacore, 3,1) made a close second to Graham Cook (ILCA 1,2). They were chased by young Ferdy (ILCA 5, 3) who only let Graham through at a wide rounding of the leeward mark in Race 2, while Tom (ILCA 2, 6.5) came close in Race 1. > Not far behind were Josh, (ILCA 6, 6.5), Ben (7,10) and Ed (8,9) and newcomer to racing Elliot (11,11). (Ed usually sails his Feva with the SW Squad, but joins in with Simon’s ILCA when he’s free). > > Ad Hoc Races > Short races followed. > Tim and Simon gained firsts in both, with Graham second in Race 1 and Tom (5,2) and Ferdy (7,3) next. All the youth sailors came in ahead of the remaining adults, though Mike Pridham and Dave Guthrie missed the final race. > > Coaching from Jerry and Graham, mentoring from Mike and Chris, building on their previous progression through the club’s youth section and encouragement from club sailors, the Youth Race group have become close friends. The Ovington ILCAs have been an important boost, parental support is vital, the future is looking bright!