Derbyshire Youth Sailing at Trent Valley Sailing Club

Saturday 10th July saw 19 Derbyshire Youth sailors arrive at Trent Valley Sailing Club ready for the next event in our 2021 series. Great weather was on the cards, but the wind wasn't featuring high.

Unfazed, 18 boats eagerly set out for the first race, but with a gentle breeze it wasn't long before the reality of sailing on a river in light winds became apparent, despite this extra challenge most of the sailors made it over the start line successfully and headed down stream towards the gate.

It wasn't long before the fleet separated into two groups, with the more experienced battling it out in front and the rest slowly making their way upstream to the second mark. Despite the obvious struggles there was some great racing and position swapping, with three Teras, two Laser Radials, two Laser 4.7s, two Comets, seven Toppers, an Opi and a Feva XL there were a few personal class races occurring.

After four laps for the lead boats it was time for lunch, which was very pleasant, watching the canal boats pass by whilst the sun broke through the clouds.

Derbyshire Youth Sailing at Trent Valley - photo © Joanne Hill

Feeling refreshed, the fleet headed out for two more races, with a small break in between. Unfortunately, the wind decided to fade a little, but with a slight change in course they were off and over the start line.

The lighter conditions resulted in the afternoon races proving quite eventful, with a few capsizes, quite a lot of drifting on top of course markers, position swapping throughout the fleet and canal boats being escorted through the course. It all created some extra work for James and his team, but they did a great job and as usual made us all feel very welcome.

Huge congratulations to all the sailors, they all had a great day and dealt with the conditions really well, even when they were sailing backwards.

If you'd like to know more about Derbyshire Youth Sailing or see the full results, please visit www.dysailing.org

Our next event is at Ogston Sailing Club on the 17th July, don't forget to pre-register.

Overall Results:

1st Senior and 1st overall - Isobel Hedley Fenn (Ogston SC)
1st Intermediate - Matilda Harrison (Ogston SC)
1st Junior - Jake Sowerby (Burton SC)

Isobel Hedley Fenn wins the Derbyshire Youth Sailing event at Trent Valley - photo © Joanne Hill