The Royal Yachting Association

The 2008 Welsh Yachting Association Welsh Youth Championships were hosted over the weekend of 26th 27th April by Pwllheli Sailing Club.

Saturday dawned with a blustery 18 knots from the South. The fleet of 105 competitors was made up from clubs from all over Wales with a handful of visitors trying their luck against the Welsh contingent. The Optimists, Toppers and General Handicap launched at 10:45 to be greeted by a 4ft sea and dolphins on the way out to the course area. Typical Pwllheli and Welsh conditions.

Race management teams reduced in number by seasick personnel worked tirelessly to get 4 races in on Saturday with great racing across all the fleets. Catching the waves was the key a good as a surf was worth at least 10 boat lengths.

On the inshore regatta course, the scene was flatter but no less windy as 20 competitors raced with coach support around a smaller course area. For these young sailors the racing was just as competitive!

Saturday evening all the competitors enjoyed a video debrief put on by Josh Metcalfe reviewing the trends of the day and boat set up for the conditions at hand.

Sunday began in equally typical Welsh conditions of vertical rain and no wind. A 2 hour postponement and many bacon sandwiches before they launched into a building 5 knot southerly. Frequent shifts caused the race officer a few issues but gradually the breeze settled and continued to build facilitating a single race early in the afternoon. As the deadline of 3pm was just round the corner the race teams wisely decided one race was enough and got the fleet heading home for a 16:00 prize.

Thanks to Pwllheli Sailing club and all the clubs who sent Ribs to support the event along with the 63 volunteers who made it happen. A great weekends racing.

Image credit/copyright: Peter Newton Digital Photography