Sign up for the Midlands festival of junior sailing!

Young sailors and windsurfers are invited to get their entries in for the 2023 British Youth Sailing (BYS) Midlands Regional Junior Championships.

Glossop SC in the Peak District is looking forward to hosting windsurfers on Saturday 10 June. Sailors from the region will then be at Rutland SC over the weekend of 17-18 June 2023.

Billed as a festival of junior sailing, both events will cater for all levels from rookies to experienced racers. While some might be competing to be crowned the best in their class or seeking selection for an RYA Regional Training Group, for others it will be a chance to develop their skills or take part in their first-ever regatta away from home.

Coaching

Tim Hall, RYA Regional Performance Manager, said: "The coaches are going to be there so come along and make the most of them, and as ever it will be a chance to meet with friends and make new ones.

“There really will be something for everyone, whether that’s growing your confidence on the water with the Rookie fleet, learning racing know-how in the Regatta fleet, or battling it out to be the best in the Championship fleet. If you’re a junior sailor, you’re invited, so come along and take part!”

Competition

Along with prizes for individual winners and performances across the fleets, there is a Club Trophy for the sailing club with the most entries and a Club Development Trophy for the sailing club with the largest increase in entry numbers from the previous year.

Clubs and parents from their junior sections are encouraged to enjoy the events as an opportunity to travel and socialise together. Bunk room accommodation and camping is available at Rutland SC and there will be a chance to sail the club’s RS21 keelboats.

Visit BYS Regional Junior Championships for entry and the Notice of Race for each event with all the details you need. For a quick overview check out our at-a-glance guide below.

Dinghy – Midlands

Venue: Rutland SC, 17-18 June 2023

Fleets:

• Championship: RS Feva XL (Under-17); Topper 5.3 & 4.2 (U-16); Optimist (U-16); RS Tera Sport (U-16); ILCA 4 (U-18). Class age as of 31 December 2023.
• Regatta: Coaching and coached racing to provide a brilliant learning experience for sailors who want to improve their racing skills: RS Feva XL (No Spinnaker, Under-16); Topper 5.3 & 4.2 (U-16), Optimist (U-16) and RS Tera Sport (U-16). This fleet is also great preparation for joining the Championship fleet next year.
• Rookie: The Rookie Fleet powered by OnBoard is instructor-led and aimed at sailors aged 8 to 13 (on 31 December 2023) who are at RYA Stage 2 level in the Youth Sailing Scheme, offering games with aims and heaps of fun. Limited places with boats provided and sailors may also bring their own boat.

Entry: For entries received before 5 June, Championship and Regatta fleets £55 single hander / £65 double hander; Rookie fleet, £55 (weekend) or £30 (Saturday only). Enter here and find out more about the event in the Notice of Race. Those new to the event may also want to take a look at Rookie Fleet Information for Parents & Sailors.

Further information: Full catering available all weekend. Dogs allowed in the car park but not in the club house or boat parks. There is a campsite just across the lane bookable direct at www.rutlandwatercampsite.co.uk; club website: www.rutlandsailingclub.co.uk

Windsurfing – North & Midlands

Venue: Glossop Sailing Club, Saturday 10 June 2023

Fleets: A mix of coaching and racing for under-17s (as of 31 December 2023) in the Techno 293 class 4.5 / 5.8 and 6.8 / 7.8 rig. Also eligible to take part are under 15s with any suitable board and a 3.5 rig or smaller.

Entry: £30 before 29 May, enter here and find out more in the Notice of Race.

Further information: Dogs on a lead welcome, galley, club website: www.sail-glossop.org.uk

Regional Training Groups

The regional championships are indicator event for sailors and windsurfers in BYS Recognised classes who would like to be selected for an RYA Regional Training Group. To be considered for RTGs all sailors must complete the online application.