Optimist open meeting at Norfolk Broads Yacht Club
by Vicky Bentall 12 Apr 2023 05:16 PDT
8 April 2023
Prize winners at the Easter Optimist open meeting at Norfolk Broads © Ruth Knight
Young Sailors Egg-cel at Easter Optimist Regatta
The open meeting at Norfolk Broads Yacht Club drew in a small but mighty fleet of eight sailors, all eager to prove themselves on the water. With light winds coming from the North West, the conditions were fickle and presented a challenging course for the young competitors.
Despite the conditions, the sailors rose to the occasion and put on an impressive display of skill and sportsmanship. The four races were fiercely contested, with each sailor determined to come out on top.
In the end, it was Kit Bentall who emerged as the victor, winning all four races. He was closely chased by Will Keys-Batson, who put up a valiant fight but ultimately had to settle for second place.
One of the most exciting moments of the regatta came in the third race, when Paddy Clabburn and Claudia Bentall got incredible starts and led for the first two laps. However, Kit Bentall showed his mettle and managed to reel them both in, while Will Keys-Batson also made a strong charge and managed to overtake Claudia. All being chased by Thomas Prangley, Henry Drew, and Jack Tubby amongst others.
Prizes were generously donated by Oulton Broad Water Sports Centre, Jeckells Sails, Barracuda Bay and Norfolk Marine, and the sailors were treated to an egg-stra attraction in the form of Easter Eggs for all, donated by Bill and Julie Knight.
In the end, it was a great day of sailing and camaraderie, with all the sailors showing great skill and sportsmanship. Third overall was Paddy Clabburn, second was Will Keys-Batson and the winner was Kit Bentall. First local girl went to Claudia Bentall chasing in her brother's wake after close competition with Annie Batson and the other competitors.
Overall, it was a fantastic regatta and a great showcase of the talent and determination of the young sailors who took part. We can't wait to see what the future holds for these promising young athletes!
Overall Results:
| Pos | Sail No | Boat Name | Helm | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | Net pts |
|---|
| 1 | 5725 | Phantom | Kit Bentall | (1) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 2 | 5721 | Lollipopz | Will Keys‑Batson | 2 | 2 | (3) | 2 | 6 |
| 3 | 5300 | | Patrick Clabburn | (5) | 5 | 2 | 3 | 10 |
| 4 | 5308 | Chaos | Henry Drew | 3 | 3 | 5 | (6) | 11 |
| 5 | 6121 | Water Wizard | Thomas Prangley | 4 | 4 | (6) | 4 | 12 |
| 6 | 600 | Ribble Ruffian | Claudia Bentall | 6 | 6 | 4 | (DNF) | 16 |
| 7 | 4854 | Babycham | Annie Batson | (7) | 7 | 7 | 5 | 19 |
| 8 | 4659 | | Jack Tubby | 8 | 8 | (DNC) | DNC | 25 |