Trophies for Leicestershire Youth Sailors

More than 170 competitors aged 8 to 18 took part in the five-day NSSA (National School Sailing Association) National Youth Regatta at Draycote Water in Warwickshire.

Among them were LRYSA's young sailors who completed up to 18 races each with a range of conditions to test their skills from flat calms to wind and rain.

The event had race courses for different boats and abilities, with LYRSA's sailors battling it out in both the Championship fleets and also the coached Regatta fleet for less experienced racers.

LYRSA's Josh Perkins, aged 18 and at his last youth regatta, scooped three trophies for the team: The Haywood Tankard for best Leicestershire Sailor; the President's Shield for Seamanship and the High Flyers Award.

Sophia Madlani, aged 15 and competing in her first major regatta, won the Triumph award for the most improved sailor over the week.

Norman Byrd, race officer for the coached Regatta fleet, said: "The progress in the fleet over the week was tremendous and wonderful to see."

Colin Magee, LRYSA Chairman and Training Principal, added: "We are extremely proud of our young team, competing at a national regatta in sometimes harsh conditions and never giving up. Congratulations to our trophy winners and well done to all of our young sailors who took part and made the most of the week to develop their skills."

LRYSA is based at John Merricks Lake in Watermead Country Park and its alumni includes the late John Merricks, a 1996 Olympic sailing silver medallist.

Providing opportunities for local youngsters who may not otherwise have the chance to experience sailing, LRYSA is currently running its summer programme offering courses for children who want to learn how to sail during the school holidays.

Visit www.lrysa.org.uk or contact jill@lrysa.org.uk for further information. Discover more about how to start boating at www.rya.org.uk/get-afloat.

(Source & Image: LRYSA)