Junior Sailing Regatta at Starcross Yacht Club

Starcross Yacht Club on the Exe hosted thirty-three young sailors from a variety of other sailing club for the 2022 SYC Junior Regatta on 18-21 August 2022.

Sponsored by RopeLocker, Admiral Trailers, Seawood Chandlery, Exe Sails and Covers, RYA and Exeter School, the event is now in its second year with a growing reputation for fun and good racing.

Gold Fleet during the Junior Sailing Regatta at Starcross - photo © Andrew Paley

10 races were run over the four days, with two fleets, a gold fleet and silver feet, which sailors entered depending on their experience. In variable wind conditions, the racing was close in both fleets, notably with 6 Individual race winners in the 10 Gold fleet races. The recent addition of 6 new Teras from the John Merricks Trust were used in the Silver Fleet to ensure this year's beginners could compete and start racing!

There were 15 RS Teras (Pro, Sport and Mini rigs), 9 Toppers, 7 Lasers and an RS Feva, which gave good opportunity for competitive and close racing, particularly in the Gold Fleet.

Silver Fleet during the Junior Sailing Regatta at Starcross - photo © Cate West

The SYC Junior Regatta has a range of other activities, making it about more than just sailing. This year, Friday evening's barbecue and quiz (put together by regatta competitors), Saturdays Hog Roast (attended by over 80 people) and the evening disco sponsored by Exeter School, were highlights. As was the Sunday morning parents' race, run by the juniors with parents sailing RS Teras and somewhat random penalties given by the jury boat!

Gold Fleet during the Junior Sailing Regatta at Starcross - photo © Pete Solly

As usual, the event was fun, friendly and inclusive. A number of sailors had only learnt to sail this year and this was their first experience of racing and of a regatta. "The best day ever!" was one comment. Once again a large contingent of sailors travelled from Paignton, and this year there were also visitors from Sidmouth and Lyme Regis; many joining Starcross sailors to camp overnight at the club, waking up to the beautiful waterside views of the Exe estuary.

Silver Fleet during the Junior Sailing Regatta at Starcross - photo © Ben Newall

Thank you to all the sponsors:- Rope Locker provided some amazing goody bags for prizes. Tony at Admiral Trailers funded the lovely regatta mugs which were used as prizes. Seawood Marine in Exmouth kindly gave vouchers for prizes. Exeter School sponsored the disco on Saturday night, and the RYA provided spot prizes. Lastly, Sam from Exe Sails generously provided us with a printed T-shirt for every competitor and a Sailing bag with goodies for the winner of each fleet. Times are hard for businesses so their support is all the more appreciated.

Overall Results: