As the summer holidays approach, getting out and about visiting clubs in the North and feeling the buzz of activities has been fantastic.
I enjoyed being part of the British Youth Sailing Regional Junior Championships; both the windsurfing event at Glossop and the dinghy sailing at Bassenthwaite were fantastic, and to have over 190 enthusiastic young sailors join in at Bassenthwaite is incredible; it was great to see. It was the biggest event in the UK, a true spectacle!
The atmosphere at the campsite was reminiscent of a lively festival, and the camaraderie between parents, sailors, and newcomers added to the joyous experience. Despite being bitten by the midges, the event was, without a doubt, a highlight of my June. It was terrific to get three fleets together in an event that was as much for newcomers as it was for the national competitors.
However, the summer is only just starting, and I wish all clubs who are about to run their big events across the North of England the best of luck. There are too many to mention, but in the Northwest, the highly anticipated Bass Week takes place 5-13th August, and in the Northeast, the Dart 18 Worlds comes to Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club from 30 July – 4 August.
As we prepare for these fantastic big events, let’s dive into noteworthy updates and opportunities in the sailing world.
Celebrating Success
First, let’s take a moment to celebrate some incredible achievements and a huge congratulations to Ullswater Yacht Club for their outstanding achievement in winning an epic Lord Birkett trophy at the start of July. With 280 competitors and challenging windy conditions, it was a fantastic display of sailing. Well done to all competitors and Ullswater for putting on a tremendous event once again.
It was great to meet the Manvers Waterfront Boat Club team in Yorkshire for a really positive meeting. They have a thriving membership and a keen interest in developing their windsurfing program. The dedication and passion within the club are genuinely inspiring, and I’m excited to collaborate with them in their journey towards expanding their windsurfing offerings. Exciting opportunities are already on the horizon!
Upcoming Courses
There’s been a rising demand for sailing instructor lessons, and we’re thrilled to announce a midweek Dinghy Senior Instructor course at Tees and Hartlepool Yacht Club in the Northeast on the 26th-29th of October. Live now for bookings.
In the Northwest, there will be a weekend course option at Hollingworth Lake water activity centre on the first two weekends in November. Keep an eye out for bookings going live later this month.
For those instructors or aspiring instructors craving thrilling adventures, there’s also an array of opportunities to try wing surfing or wing foiling at the Yorkshire Dale Sailing Club and Scaling Dam Yacht Club at the end of July and early August. Hurry, as places are limited! Book Now
Census Reminder
Thank you to all clubs who have completed their club census; if you still need to complete yours, please return these by 13 August. For any additional information, feel free to reach out to Victoria. Victoria.lenz@rya.org.uk
And finally.
Save the date for the Club Conference on Saturday 18 November at the Anderson Centre, Chorley.
Together, let’s make this summer a memorable one in sailing! Fair winds and happy sailing!
Adam
