Sunshine and fair breezes on the river Exe were the order of the day every day at the fourth year of SYC's Regatta for juniors, and at just under 50 entries the event was close to capacity. All entrants were given an event T-shirt, courtesy of sponsor Exe Sails and Covers. Most boats were from the host club, but we had a good number of visitors too.
The racing was split into Gold and Silver, with extra briefings and on-the-water coaching provided for the Silver fleet, some of whom had only started sailing this year.
The Gold fleet showed fierce competitive racing across a range of wind strengths, using a variety of course configurations over the four days.
There was close racing of high standard in the Topper 5.3s, which provided the event winner and second place. Fevas were also well represented and it was a pleasure to see how some of the sailors new to 2-man boats grew in confidence over the week. The orange flash of the Tera fleet was also very visible, with fierce competition here.
The Silver fleet was mainly raced in Topper 4.2, Tera Sport and Mini plus some Oppies. While some sailors got to grips well with getting around the course effectively, for others making it out to the starting area was a big challenge (which was helped on the Sunday by sightings of a friendly seal just off the slipway!) The wind was too fresh for the Silver fleet on the final day, so they were entertained on shore.
Around the racing there were other activities - a very popular run of sessions of coaching in the Feva dinghies, joyrides with club members in Hurricane catamarans, fun splashing on the water's edge (not sure of the rules but all looked to be enjoying themselves!), beach games and a quiz.
The food was amazing as always - BBQ pork on Saturday night, a variety of filling lunch meals, plus breakfasts so good that those who weren't camping came early to eat at the club too!
The older Starcross Juniors were vital for the successful running of the event; as coaches for the Silver fleet and the Feva training, running the quiz, running registration and on the Committee Boat (even as PRO for the final 2 days). SYC would like to thank them and the army of adult volunteers who gave their time and skills to make the event possible. Thanks also to our sponsors Exe Sails and Covers, Tozers Solicitors, Exeter School and Admiral Trailers, whose kind donations made it possible to keep the entry and food costs incredibly low.
A visiting competitor writes:
"I had an amazing time at the Starcross regatta, and the club and members made me feel very welcome. As well as some fun, competitive racing, the games in the evening were great, and I made loads of new friends. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were delicious (the volunteers in the galley did an awesome job). I will definitely be back next year, and hopefully do a bit more sailing at SYC soon!" - Edith from Royal Dart Yacht Club, Gold fleet Regatta winner
Overall Results:
Gold Fleet
1st Overall, 1st Topper and 1st 13 and under - Edith Phillips; Topper 5.3. Stoke Gabriel SC
2nd Overall - Amelie Ballantyne; Topper 5.3. Starcross YC
3rd Overall and 1st Tera - Stefan Anderson; Tera Sport. Exe SC
Silver Fleet
1st Overall - Remi Campbell-Willmott; Topper 5.3. Starcross YC
2nd Overall and 1st 10 and under - Florence Farnell; Tera Sport. Starcross YC
3rd Overall - Max Record; Topper 4.2. Starcross YC
Article header photograph © Kimberly Longthorne; prizegiving photograph © Dougal Scott.
