Youth Regatta Weekend
Published 10:53 on 12 Jul 2026
The Broxbourne Youth Regetta was held over the weekend of 27/28 June, with some 20 sailors involved in warm and windy conditions. The format was for 3 short races Saturday morning, lunch, followed by joining in the afternoon club race with their own start. Sunday would be participating in the 2 morning club races, starting 5 minutes after the main fleet. There was also an option for those who love the outdoor life to camp overnight on Saturday, which was accepted by 50% of those involved, together with parents.
The schedule start of the first race at 10:15 was delayed to allow the breeze to settle and accommodate a few late arrivals. A short triangular course was set, and a wind shift of 90 degrees in the final few seconds before the start of the 1st race favoured those at the pin end starting on port. This set the patten for the morning racing, with the wind constantly swinging through 180 degrees making life tricky for both the sailors and race team. After 3 very closely fought races, with constant changing of positions, the fleet headed ashore for a much needed break and food, and with 6 classes of boats from Lasers through to Toppers, there was no obvious leaders at this stage.
The race team stayed on the water to run the club racing, where a similar course was set but with longer legs. The afternoon race started with the club race followed 5 minutes later by the 4th Youth race. An increase in wind strength after the club start meant the leading boats coming across the start line just before the start of the youth race, chaos reigned with lots of shouting but fortunately no collisions, and everyone completed their final race of the day. The provisional results showed a number of sailors in the running for the trophy.
The remainder of the day was fun time on the water with canoes and paddleboats, and a variety of games plus the traditional BBQ. Those not camping started leaving as the sun set, and the parents camping sought refuge in their tents by midnight leaving the youngsters the freedom to continue their own games and activities.
Sunday dawned with the promise of a much stronger breeze and 2 races, and a reduced fleet of just 8 boats, plus 2 of the clubs instructors in a Vision, expecting to take line honours. The gusts took its toll, and a few were forced to retire for a variety of reasons, including broken toe straps and rudder falling off. After nearly 2 hours of racing everyone returned ashore and packed their way before enjoying a superb brunch along with 40 other club members before the presentations.
The overall winner on the water was Lizzie, who had to be disqualified as she is just over the youth age limit, leaving Matthew to claim 1st place, followed by Edith and Alice. The Saturday only event was won by Maeve. But the real winners were everyone who took part in a really great 2 days of sailing and demonstrating the real improvements they have made in their racing skills over the last few months. A big thanks must also go to all the helper who made the event possible.
Last updated 11:09 on 12 July 2026