Little wind but lots of fun at RYA Northern Ireland Youth Championships

In what is known as one of Northern Ireland’s key sailing events, sailors come together from across Northern Ireland and further afield.

For some the event is the season finale and for others it is their first taste of championship racing after a season of coaching and sailing courses.

Despite the sun shining on day one, it was apparent it would be a tricky day weather wise. A light breeze from the land danced from one side of the course to the other, making life difficult for the race committee and competitors.

Some fleets managed to squeeze in the full complement of racing but a few courses had to be changed or shortened. Other fleets managed just one race.

The 20-boat regatta fleet led by club coaches may have enjoyed the best of the conditions as they took part in a training session followed by several short races.

The racecourse was shrouded in thick fog on day two and a glimmer of sun and wind quickly disappeared meaning that there were no races completed.

While many sailors were disappointed that they were unable to race, the prize giving was a great celebration of sailors of all levels, from first-time medal winners and junior champions right up to the top youth sailors. 

This year the title of RYA Northern Ireland Youth Champions Overall went to Daniel Palmer from Ballyholme Yacht Club.

Andrew Baker, RYA Northern Ireland’s High Performance Manager, comments: “The RYA Northern Ireland Youth Championships has always proved to be a great event and with the ILCA 6 Europeans to be held in Ballyholme YC next season it was a great trial run for sailors and the club alike.  

“This event can be a big ask for a lot from our clubs and volunteers. It could not happen without everyone doing their bit and I am forever grateful for the hard work of the race management team, rescue teams, beach master and his teams, the club committee and every parent who could not do enough for the event and the sailors. I am also grateful to our event sponsor F10 Marine for their support with this year’s event.

“It is very worthwhile when all is said and done. The RYA Northern Ireland staff team are very grateful to everyone involved.” 

Results

Full Results can be found here

All the photographs from the event can be at Racing Photos and Prizegiving Photos