420 class enjoys return to RYA Dinghy Show
by Jennie Clark 4 Mar 2019 07:44 PST
2-3 March 2019
The 420 class had a great Dinghy Show, returning to Alexandra Palace for the 2019 show after a number of years away.
The class displayed Charlie Bacon's Mackay boat, and there was plenty of interest in the way in which this Youth Squad boat is set up from past, present and future 420 sailors. It was great to meet up with old friends from past days in the class, and to also showcase this amazing Youth boat to potential helms. Current sailors in the class, and their support crews, had a busy two days as a result of the high level of interest shown. The class were delighted to see Youth squad members Meg Ferguson and Bea Harris receiving prizes for 4th overall and first ladies in the Selden Sailjuice Winter Series.
With all the interest in the class second hand boats are changing hands quickly and there's a real buzz about the coming season and it's events. The first of these takes place in two weeks time, when the Inland Championships will be held at Rutland Water. Entries are looking good with both old and new faces appearing on the entry list, and some interesting pairings! This coming weekend sees the class hold open coaching at Rutland, offering helms and crews a chance to get plenty of practice in ahead of the Inlands, and for their parents to get tuned in to the menu in the café!!
The class then moves on to Weymouth for their Spring Championships on 6 and 7 April, with coaching the weekend before, and then looks forward to having a
great turnout for the RYA Youth Championships. With selections for the 2019 World Championships and Junior European Championships, depending on performance at the Inlands, Springs and Youths there is going to be some cracking competition.