Young sailors win trophies at top regatta
A TEAM from Leicestershire and Rutland Youth Sailing Association is celebrating after winning trophies at a prestigious national regatta.
Around 200 young sailors from all over the UK represented their county, school or club at the National School Sailing association (NSSA) National Youth Regatta which took place at Grafham Water in Cambridgeshire.
Among them were a group of talented young Leicestershire sailors, who came home with a number of trophies from the flagship week-long event.
The young sailors competed in a range of challenging conditions and strong winds.
The team from Leicestershire and Rutland Youth Sailing Association (LRYSA), which is based at John Merrick’s Lake at Watermead Country Park in Charnwood, included youngsters from Syston, Leicester, Hinckley and Loughborough.
Team captain Calum Jones was awarded the Haywood Tankard trophy for the best placed Leicestershire sailor at the regatta.
The President’s Shield for Seamanship went to Edwin Jones due to his extensive knowledge of the sailing directions and his help with other sailors helping them to understand their courses.
The Triumph Cup for Sportsmanship was awarded to Hamani Baines. Team manager Heather Smith praised Hamani for her excellent handling of a racing rules protest on the water and her confidence in her convictions. Colin Magee, LRYSA Chairman and Training Principal, said: “I am extremely proud of our young sailors’ successes and excellent behaviour and discipline. “They demonstrated skill and sportsmanship in some extreme conditions.” Leicestershire and Rutland Youth Sailing Association is an inclusive charity dedicated to providing opportunities for local youngsters who may not otherwise have the chance to experience sailing. For details, visit: