P&B Northamptonshire Youth Series at Middle Nene Sailing Club

P&B Northamptonshire Youth Series at Middle Nene © Wilf Kunze

Well, I blame Bill Gates, but more of that later on. An impressive 40+ boats signed on for the second round of the P&B Northamptonshire Youth Series at Middle Nene Sailing Club. The events are growing in popularity with more than 40 boats signed on at the first two events.

Middle Nene sits in a site of special scientific interest. It certainly is astonishingly beautiful with the magnificent river Nene wending its way alongside the lake. The club put on an incredible show having pre-booked sunshine and a light breeze.

Head coach Rachel supported the ever enthusiastic club coaches in delivering a really enjoyable morning training session. The breeze filled in during the morning, although it was a little light and fickle at times during the afternoon racing. As part of their training, the fast fleet took part in a timed slalom race which Noah won, winning a trophy of such outstanding beauty that it is only fair to return it for another lucky winner next year!

P&B Northamptonshire Youth Series at Middle Nene - photo © Wilf Kunze

The series prides itself on providing entry level racing event although all sailors are welcome. There is always training in the morning, and coached racing in the afternoon. Once the training had concluded sausage pasta re-fuelled the sailors before the afternoon racing.

The breeze remained unpredictable for the afternoon racing, but the sunshine was glorious. There was everything from the gentlest of breezes, through to flat out hiking with a Topper mast ending up in more pieces than the designer intended! Middle Nene launched their supporters' boat allowing a ring side view of the racing. The lake has so many lovely vantage points that it was just as fabulous to watch from ashore.

P&B Northamptonshire Youth Series at Middle Nene - photo © Wilf Kunze

We aim for 3 shortish races and they were perfectly delivered by PRO Mark Hatsell. Too short and the slower boats exceed their handicaps, too long and the races become processional. Noah, ILCA 4, and Peter, ILCA 6, traded first and second places over the first two races making it all to play for. Peter won the final race, with Jaspar, ILCA 6 finishing second and Solomon, ILCA 6 coming third. Noah was fourth. With the final race win, Peter won the fast handicap fleet from Noah, with Jaspar third. A Draycote 1,2,3.

In the slow fleet Esme in her RS Tera Sport won the first race from Finn in his optimist. Joshua, RS Tera Sport, was third. Joshua then promptly won the second and third races, Esme took second place in both whilst Finn was third in both. Joshua won, from Esme, then Finn. Middle Nene Sailing Club took the top 2 slots with Hollowell in third. Middle Nene sailors made up 6 of the 10 slow fleet results all in nicely turned out RS Tera Sports.

P&B Northamptonshire Youth Series at Middle Nene - photo © Wilf Kunze

Alexander and William, both from Hollowell, had a win and a second a piece after two races in their toppers. Alexander won the final race from Thomas, also Hollowell, who was clearly finding his form improving in every race. It was a Hollowell lock out for the top three positions, Alexander winning from William and Thomas.

An interesting pattern in the results is evident. Draycote took the top 3 spots in the fast fleet, the largest fleet of the day. Hollowell took the top 3 topper positions, and Middle Nene had 2 of the top 3 slow fleet medals but certainly made up the bulk of the fleet.

But enough of the sailing. A sailors' tea, this is what it is all about! Middle Nene will be hard to beat, the galley team laid on a spread of such munificence that it took several trestle tables to display it all.

P&B Northamptonshire Youth Series at Middle Nene - photo © Wilf Kunze

The prize-giving followed. First off, Charlie Guyett awarded some splendid prizes from leg one, Cransley. Mark then did the honours for Middle Nene, awarding beautiful wooden laser cut trophies. The overall winner at Middle Nene was Peter, clearly relishing his return to Middle Nene after winning a windier affair there last year in a topper. Alexander was second, with Noah third. The Kay Ward trophy for the first Middle Nene sailor was awarded to Solomon (to much cheering). 11 first timer medals were awarded. This means that we've awarded more than 50% of this year's stock! A lovely problem to have.

Thanks as ever to the series sponsor, Pinnell and Bax, and also to the RYA for funding our head coach, Rachel Heggs. A great day out at Middle Nene, we'll be looking forward to returning next year. Our next event is at Hollowell, Saturday 15th June, all junior sailors from all clubs are welcome. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page for details of how to enter.

And as for Bill Gates, well. The results were processed in record time, but Microsoft decided a software update was in order before they could be printed and shared. Thankfully the time was wiled away eating, and enjoying the weather, hardly a hardship!

Peter Astley, overall winner - P&B Northamptonshire Youth Series event at Middle Nene - photo © Wilf Kunze

Fast Fleet Results so far:

Topper Results so far:

Slow Fleet Results so far:

P&B Northamptonshire Youth Series at Middle Nene - photo © Wilf Kunze