Derbyshire to host UK's biggest youth sailing regatta
Derbyshire is to host this year’s National School Sailing Association National Youth Regatta – the biggest event of its kind in the UK.
One of the most prestigious regattas on the youth sailing calendar, the week-long event is held in a different part of the UK each year, and Derbyshire Youth Sailing has been chosen as the host association for 2008.
It will be held at Carsington Water from July 21 to 25, with Carsington Sailing Club acting as the host club and event management being organised by volunteers from Derbyshire Youth Sailing with the support of the NSSA.
Key partners supporting the event include Severn Trent Water, Derbyshire Sport and Carsington Sports and Leisure.
It was officially launched at Carsington Water on Saturday, with Derbyshire Youth Sailing Chairman Ian Bell, Derbyshire Sport Outdoor Activity Development Officer Craig Keegan and Severn Trent Water Rangers Rose Day and Philip Straton gathering to kick-start the event, along with Tony Nicholson and Mick Athey from Carsington Sailing Club.
Also at the launch were members from Derbyshire Youth Sailing, who are planning to compete in July’s event.
Event Manager Ian Bell said: “This is a significant opportunity for Derbyshire and the Midlands sailing community to welcome visiting sailors, their teams, friends and families to enjoy a week of summer sailing and fun in the wonderful setting of Carsington Water on the doorstep of the Peak District.”
Ben Young, Head Ranger at Carsington Water, added: "Severn Trent are happy to be supporting the NSSA National Youth Regatta at our beautiful site in Derbyshire. It looks set to be a fantastic event for both visitors and sailors."
Thanks to Derbyshire’s central location in the country, the regatta is anticipated to attract more sailors than ever before, with more than 300 dinghies expected to take part.
David Joy, Director of Derbyshire Sport, said: "I am delighted that Derbyshire has been chosen as the venue for this regatta in 2008 and that Derbyshire Youth Sailing are working so hard to make the event a major success.
“It will create an advantage for the talented sailors in Derbyshire to be able to compete on home territory and with over 700 visitors coming into the county for three or four nights, the event will also provide a little boost to tourism in the surrounding area.”
Young sailors aged between eight and 18 years old from right around the UK will come to Carsington Water in School Association teams representing Counties and Cities to compete for a host of prestigious trophies.
There will be sailors of all abilities, ranging from those who are new to racing to those hoping to go on to represent Great Britain in future Olympics, maybe even for London 2012.
A total of ten races will be staged over four days involving four different fleets – Laser Class, Topper Class, Slow and Fast Mixed Handicap and Rookie.
‘Super Wednesday’ will also bring a break in proceedings, with a host of special races held, including the highly sought-after Mount Haes Trophy and the Single-Hander Trophy.
In addition there will be an All-Comer’s Pursuit Race, which will be a chance for team managers, parents and coaches to take their turn on the water.