P&B Northamptonshire Youth Series 2023
by Norman Byrd 8 May 2023 02:53 PDT
Northamptonshire Youth Series © Norman Byrd
Saturday 13th May sees the start of this year's bigger and better youth series. After several years of a five event series, Middle Nene are hosting again, meaning for the first time ever we're having a six event series! Pinnell and Bax are continuing their longstanding sponsorship of the series (thank you Nelly!) for which we're very grateful.
The dates for this year's events are:
- Saturday 13th May, Draycote (an honorary Northamptonshire club)
- Saturday 24th June, Hollowell
- Saturday 1st July, Middle Nene (can't wait!)
- Saturday 8th July, Banbury
- Saturday 15th July, Northampton
- Saturday 9th September, Cransley
The format for the series remains much the same, be rigged and ready at 09:15 for a morning's training followed by three back-to-back races in the afternoon. The series is aimed at new to racing sailors, and the emphasis is on participation and having fun. If you can sail around a triangular course, you're ready for the NYS! Unlike most racing events, we actively encourage on the water support and assistance from the coaches. We train and race in three groups, slow handicap, toppers and fast handicap. Youth and junior sailors are welcome from all clubs, not just the six "home" clubs. We're particularly keen to encourage sailability sailors. Thanks to P and B, and the NSSCA, we have lots of prizes and trophies to award. All first time sailors receive a medal and last year we awarded the inaugural first timers' trophy. This is won by a new to the series sailor and is scored by counting races started, rather than overall position. Draycote are the current holder of the top club prize, will they be able to retain it for a third year?
Draycote would like sailors to pre-enter if possible, although entries on the day are fine. You can enter here (webcollect). Draycote have single and double handed boats that can be hired, £15 per boat, please contact Dave Rowe if you'd like to book, .
We look forward to seeing as many sailors as possible, whether at every event, or just one or two. Of course the big question isn't who will win, or will the optimists remain as dominant as last year, but which club will provide the best tea for the sailors!