Early Season Success
The clubs various youth race teams have all had a busy and early start to the season. The Toppers have already had 3 Grand Prix events, held over the last 3 months in a mix of conditions at WPNSA (Weymouth), Datchet, and most recently Grafham. Noah Sherriff (Topper Class Youth squad) scored some good solid results in the 80s at both WPNSA and Grafham, with the highlight being 35th overall at Datchet. Ed Neylan (South-West Zone squad) attended both Grafham and Datchet and scored a very creditable 89th overall at Datchet.
The Fevas have also been busy with a light wind Spring Championships held at Draycote in March, and a mixed conditions Grand Prix at Queen Mary SC in April. Three Chew boats attended the Spring Championships with Rosie & Susie Sheahan, and Alfie Sheahan & Ben Hook looking to put into practice their winter training in the large fleet of 62 boats. Conditions were very light and fickle, which suited the lighter weights sailors, particularly those with good HOOB (‘head out of boat’ for those not in the know….). Quinn Edmonds and Fin Oliver sailed a very consistent series in the challenging conditions and finished 8th overall. A smaller select group gathered at Queen Mary SC for Grand Prix #3. In a mix of conditions, Ted Lane and Rupert Clapham used the opportunity to gain some valuable race practice (Rupert was out of action for a large part of the winter training). Quinn & Fin kept the consistency going with another 8th place overall.
In the Laser Radials Frances Fox has been attending a number of the Laser Radial European and World Qualifier events. Frances finished 5thGirl overall at Pwllheli SC and 6th Girl at Stokes Bay. It’s also been great to see Bristol University students Dan Whitely and Jake Farren-Price, who put on a Laser sailing masterclass whenever they sail at Chew, score some first places in the full rig Laser qualifying events.
Freya Cumpsty has recently moved from the Laser Radial to the front of the 29er and is sailing with helm Hattie Rogers (Royal Lymington). They’ve been using the early season events to help accelerate the steep learning curve of skiff sailing and have seen their results improve from the Draycote Winter champs, to a 19th overall at the Hayling Island GP4. They also finished 6th all girls, at the RYA Youth Nationals in Largs, Scotland, an event that included snow, hail, rain, gales, sub-zero temperatures and no wind – a true Scottish test!