Derbyshire Youth Sailing series gets under way
Saturday, April 5 sees the first of the Derbyshire Youth Sailing series events for 2008 get under way at the only river sailing club in Derbyshire, Trent Valley SC near Long Eaton.
Once again the young sailors will be racing for three races on the stretch of water near the Navigation Pub, Lock Lane.
The Derbyshire Youth Sailing series is ten events, one held at each of the ten sailing clubs in Derbyshire. From the Northernmost at Glossop & District SC to the Southernmost at Burton SC, young sailors aged up to 18 and capable of sailing a simple triangular course compete in multi class races, enjoy the thrill of close racing.
To qualify for a series result and a chance at the series prizes the sailors only need compete at any six of the ten events through the season from April to October.
With the desire to progress in their racing sailing activities to the highest levels, quite a number of young Derbyshire sailors are committed to competing in National and sometimes International competitions - often returning from successful campaigns with the rewards of major trophies for their efforts.
DYS Events Secretary Claire Lambourn said: "It is often quite a challenge to sailors and their families to be able to compete at their chosen events especially as it isn't possible to be in two places at once. The club sailing secretaries and I work hard to plan the DYS event calendar so that our events don't clash with the major class competitions."
Joshua Haynes (9) of Carsington SC and sailor/coach Craig McCarthy, will both be competing to retain their Junior & Series Champion status respectively, achieved in 2007.
The majority of the sailors also have an eye on the National Schools Sailing Association National Youth Regatta being held at Severn Trent's Carsington Water between July 20 and 25. With competitors coming from right around the country this will be an opportunity for DYS sailors in the Derbyshire team to use the advantages of home waters to aim for the top prizes.
Photo used courtesy of Mike Shaw / www.fotoboat.com