>> Subject: Youth Regatta at Lyme 16 July >> >> All four youth training groups for Under 18s at Lyme Regis Sailing club came together for their regatta. The SE breeze was light, dying off toward the end of the morning. The effect of the tide was noticeable particularly on the windward legs for the slower boats, but a flat sea was an advantage. >> Taking part, often for the first time, was encouraged. The triangular courses were laid to suit the classes of dinghies, the faster ones sailing a longer course. >> Race Officer Jerry Rook ran 3 starts for the 5 classes, and 3 races back to back. Safety lead was Jim Thomas, accompanied by race coach Graham Cook. >> Having 5 classes meant sailing against similar dinghies and in smaller groups. >> 26 youth members competed. >> >> >> ILCAs off the line for their first start. Photo: Pauline Rook >> >> >> Edward and Monty happily steadying the Pico down wind. Photo Pauline Rook >> >> >> 420s and Toppers raft up for a chat between races. Photo Pauline Rook >> >> >> Josh comes out of a roll tack as he approached the windward mark, leaving room for the effect of the tide. Watched by Jim and Graham on the Rib. Isla in the Pico on the right waits to tack, Ferdy (centre) is chasing Josh. Photo: Sally >> >> >> >> Frankie balances his ILCA as he sets off down the reach. Photo: Sally >> >> Sailors were on the water directly after their briefing, boats ready and waiting on the slipway. Racing was from 10.30 until 1.00pm. >> >> A BBQ and prize giving followed at the clubhouse for sailors, with parents and families joining them. >> Generous sponsorship from Ovingtons, CoastWatersports, Millers and Cupine meant useful prizes related to their sport could be awarded to all the young sailors as well as the leaders in each class over the series. >> Acting Commodore Jeremy Wallace thanked everyone who contributed to the event, the parents for supporting their children and the sponsors for the prizes. He told the sailors that they have chosen the best sport in the world. >> ‘Stick with it’, he said, ‘sailing opens up the world to you, it has the potential to take you everywhere, and even opportunities to earn a living.’ >> >> Class winners: >> Optimists >> 1. Isla Parsons >> 2. Isla Bowie >> Toppers >> 1. Noah Kenny >> 2. Noah Helm >> Picos >> 1. Jonathan Galvin >> 2. Woody Weldin >> 3. Isla Daly >> 420s >> 1. Josh Dean and Harry Miller >> 2. Louis P Leyshon and Alex McDonald >> ILCAs +Feva >> 1. Ed Stubbs and Bruno >> 2. Josh Connelly >> 3. Ferdy