Derbyshire Youth Sailing event at Staunton Harold Sailing Club
by Joanne Hill 6 Nov 2022 08:02 PST
29 October 2022
Derbyshire Youth Sailing's last event of 2022 was at Staunton Harold © Darren Clarke
Our last Derbyshire Youth Event of 2022 saw 15 boats registering at Staunton Harold Sailing Club on Saturday 29th October.
Boats were rigged in high spirits despite the grey start to the day. After briefing it was time to launch for our 1st two races. As the water levels were so low it was all hands on deck to help with launching, although most of our sailors are all pretty used to this now since most of our Derbyshire Clubs are experiencing a shortage of water.
First race began under light winds with the Graduate, Byte and Lasers pulling away early. As is the way with most of our events this year, the wind dropped and buoy number 7 became everyone's least favourite mark, as it spent most of the race in a wind shadow.
Race two had everyone moving to a new course due to a huge wind shift, much to the relief of everyone as 7 was out of the race. Despite light winds at the start, the wind began to pick up making for some close racing and a few near capsizes in the shifty gusts; well there was one but apparently we don't talk about it.
After two back to back races the sailors were definitely ready for lunch, Staunton put on a great spread which included cake, of course. There was much chatter about the results and being the last race of the season places were still up for grabs.
It wasn't long before our shore crews had the results published, our winners for the day were known but the battle of the Lasers and Toppers was still to play for, adding to the jovial banter between families and friends.
Race 3 started after the club race in better wind conditions much to everyone's relief. From the shore we could see that the boats were a lot closer, the higher winds suiting the sailors better. Since there was only 5 (adjusted) seconds between first and second place in race two, this race was definitely going to mix things around.
Boat packing took way longer than usual as everyone was chatting so much about their day's sailing, but eventually it was time to announce the winners and present some awards as the wind dropped to nothing and the sun began to set.
Congratulations to everyone who took part, especially the three local Topper sailors who were joining us for their 1st event and enjoyed it so much they're coming back in 2023. Of course we can't forget the Overall and first placed Senior sailors - Patrick & Jonathan Hill, second Overall and first place Intermediate sailor - George Jacobs, first place Junior sailor - J B.
Thank you to Staunton Harold for putting on a great day of sailing and to all the volunteers who helped make the day run smoothly.
What's next...?
Keep checking our website www.dysailing.org for next year's dates, training opportunities and the end of season report.