12 hour Junior Endurance Race at Southport Sailing Club

Southport's Junior 12 hour race © A Leeson

Southport's Junior 12 hour race © A Leeson

I’m sure Southport Sailing Club was surprised with the great turnout and the superb Costa del Sunny Southport weather. The junior endurance race, which was celebrating its 25th anniversary at the Marine Lake. The event was sponsored by 1stmark.co.uk

31 teams turned out, sailing GP14’s, Enterprises and Bosuns. Many parents and representatives from various clubs watch their junior team’s race around the lake anti clock wise. The wind was a steady south westerly and changing to a westerly sea breeze as the sun increased the wind to a force 2 -3. In other words perfect sailing weather. Unfortunately the lake wasn’t in such good condition as the sunny weather has evaporated a lot of the water and there isn’t a neat tide until the weekend before the 24 hour race on the 9th & 10th September.

Through out the day teams from all over the country battled for the premier position. Plenty of prizes to be won for the fasted 2 laps, Ladies race, Under 18 team, be first in your class and plenty more.

Etherow CPSC was in the lead for most of the race, sailing an Enterprise. GP’s from South Staffs and Bolton were well in the running. The wind did change through the race and the was only a small leg to fly the spinnaker for the Bosun and the GP. The Enterprises creamed through the fleet and West Lancashire Yacht Club A Team eventually won the Event. 2nd was South Staffs Blue, 3rd Etherow CPSC, 4th Southport Purple SC and in 5th was Pilkington A.

A lot of the sailing clubs raced 2 teams. A or B teams. The standard of the sailing was very high from the top and enjoyed by the less experienced by juniors who are new to the sport. It was apparent that some of the juniors were at home in the Enterprises and GP’s sailing with their crews. I noticed a lot, which are on the Laser and Topper circuit, which seemed happier and sailing faster in the Ents and GP’s. Don’t forget juniors you can purchase a good second hand Ent for around £1000.00 and there are over 100 Opens in the UK every year. I’m sure this is also similar with the GP Class. Don’t forget the Enterprise Youth Championships at Barnt Green 4th and 5th September 2010. Entry fee of £10. I’m sure you could borrow the Clubs Ent.

Back to the National 12 Hour Race. Superbly organized event from a very friendly club. Watching the event we will see plenty of National Champions in years to come. Keep up the fantastic sailing.

Overall Results: