Run by the Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association, and organised by the host Club, the idea of the event is to encourage friendly rivalry between sailing clubs on the Broads, who compete in club teams to take home the Centenary Salver, with sailors from each team scoring points for the overall award.
In its 29th year, the aim was to get young people out on the water having a good time, a goal which was thoroughly achieved. Sailing everything from a traditional Norfolk Punt to Optimists, Toppers, Lasers and more, there were four fleets:slow handicap (Splashes, RS Fevas, RS Teras and a Mirror); Lasers (Radial, 4.7), Optimists, and the largest fleet of the day – Toppers, with 25 participating.
Despite very little wind for competitors on arrival in Wroxham, leading to the postponement of racing, in the sweltering heat a fantastic time was had getting out on paddleboards and swimming, with the rivalry momentarily forgotten as the day was enjoyed between friends (both old and new!) For some of the young sailors it was their first time sailing away from their home club, whilst others were more experienced and have been on the RYA pathway taking part in events across the country. Every sign of wind was eagerly watched by the Race Team, hoping to get the day’s racing underway as soon as possible. After a false start when the breeze dropped away again, eventually racing could start during the afternoon as the sea breeze kicked in, and two good races were enjoyed.
One of the main benefits of the event is seeing the increase in confidence that young sailors get through taking part – both on and off the water. It has been well demonstrated that there are numerous benefits to being outside in the fresh air from both a physical and mental perspective, but what is it about sailing that leads to an increase in confidence? Perhaps a parent summed it up when they said “Sailing pushes you out of your comfort zone” – young sailors are responsible for their own decisions, courses, directions and even mistakes, giving a level of independence rarely seen at such a young age.”
At the conclusion of racing, the teams, from eight clubs across Broadland, keenly waited to hear which club had won the event in 2023. Horning Sailing Club won the event for the third time in the Club’s history, just ahead of Snowflake Sailing Club and Waveney & Oulton Broad Yacht Club.
But it wasn’t just about the winning – the Lady Mayhew Trophy for endeavour was awarded to a young sailor in the Optimist Fleet, Jack Aitken of Norfolk Broads Yacht Club, whilst the Whelpton Cup for double-handers went to Johnnie Rudd & Sam Dernie sailing a Norfolk Punt.
Many young sailors will now be thinking about the next steps in their sailing journey, and following the RYA Pathway can be a great opportunity to get experience and develop skills – you can find out more about Regional Training Groups here.
For more information about how to get out on the water in the East Region, visit www.rya.org.uk/startboating.
