17/9/2014
BROADLAND YOUTH REGATTA: EVENT REPORT
Eighty
two youth and junior sailors in sixty seven boats from seven Broadland Clubs
took part in the 21st Broadland Youth Regatta on Barton Broad,
hosted on behalf of the Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association by the Norfolk Punt
Club, and sponsored by Harken, Clamcleat, Pilch, Marine Industrial, Jeckells,
Cox’s Boat yard, Boats N Bits and Sailnorfolk, with the post racing BBQ meat
being supplied by Richard Bray Butchers. All four races were sailed in a
moderate to brisk westerly breeze. Top honours in the fleet racing went to Hugh
Braidwood in the fast handicap start, sailing a Laser for BASC, Charlie Folkard
in the slow handicap start sailing his Laser radial for BASC, Joseph Drake in
the Topper Class sailing for WOBYC and William Pank in the Optimist Class
sailing for Norfolk Broads Yacht Club.
Close
racing and keen competition in all four Classes – Angus Richardson (WOBYC) tied
on points in the fast handicap, the tie broken in Hugh Braidwood’s favour on
countback, similarly Joshua Means (HSC) tie with William Pank in the Optimists. The RYA Judge, Trevor Lewis, may have
regretted urging competitors to protest at the briefing, in all there were
seven hearings, however NPC’s expert event management delivered a totally
successful, albeit long, one day regatta for the large turnout of keen youth
sailors, parents and club coaches.
The
interclub competition for the Centenary Salver was contested by six clubs, and
by the narrowest of margins Beccles Amateur Sailing Club, who have never won it
before in spite of rallying large teams, were triumphant, with WOBYC and NBYC
in second and third places.
Size
isn’t everything: interestingly teams of eight boats (BASC and WOBYC) excelled,
the largest NBYC numbered 15 boats, HSC fielded 14 boats, HBSC 13, NPC 8 and
NSSA a single RS500. NSBA event
organisers were pleased to note an increase in the number of two handed
dinghies - 15, and that the two Norfolk Punts, helmed by Freddie Scott and Jack
Drew-Leventon provided greatest spectator value, with dramatic fallings in and
capsizes whilst racing close to the appreciative crowd on the pontoons.
The
Whelpton Cup for the most successful double-handed boat was awarded to Billy
Johnson crewed by Katie Davies in their Feva XL.
The
Lady Mehew Trophy for endeavour, applying the greatest effort in a spirit of
sport determination and fun without necessarily achieving a winning position
was awarded to Elske Wilton from the host Club, NPC in her Topper “Oink”.
Prize
winners were awarded their trophies and glassware momentos by Bryony
Bennett-Lloyd, International 420 Ladies World Champion 2013, who said she was
inspired to raise her game in competitive dinghy racing at the 2006 Broadland
Youth Regatta. Bryony started in Toppers
at HBSC and went on to reach the pinnacle of youth sailing representing Great
Britain at the ISAF Youth Worlds and now plans an Olympic campaign in the Women’s
Skiff, the 49er FX, looking towards the 2020 Tokyo Games. Her remarks were a remarkable inspiration to
the young sailors and their support teams.
