PREP SCHOOL RACE BUGS AS PART OF LASER PICO NATIONALS 2010

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The 2010 Laser Pico Nationals was held at Rydal Penrhos School, Colwyn Bay over the weekend of 2nd, 3rd and 4th July.

A total of 38 competitors entered this years Nationals, held for the first time in the North. The competitors sailed either single or double handed in the Championship or Regatta fleet.

On Friday there was a coaching session run by WYA Coach Ben Illife, with the aim of the afternoon to practice starts and mark rounding. The sun was out but the gusty winds did mean that there were a few capsizes. All those who took part found the coaching very useful and were all raring to get started with the championship racing the following day.

Saturday brought with it more sunshine and a strong breeze, which suited the Championship sailors. The fleets were released from the beach by ARO Liz Gowers, who was working under the guidance of PRO Mike Butterfield. Six races were scheduled for the day, coming in after three for lunch in the boat park.

As well as the classic races to be run a bug fleet from the Prep school also took to the water and a Bug Fleet Trophy was the coveted award for their efforts. The pupils performed brilliantly especially given the fact that their sailing histories are very short. Sailing is becoming a bigger sport for the Prep school now and the opportunity is being thrown open to as many pupils as possible. The final result was first prize to Thomas Bale, second went to Aiden O’Leary and Nicholas Hetherington, third prize went to Ewan Luke and the prize for the happiest sailor went to Amy Bale.

The hope is that some of these younger sailors generate a passion for the sport and become the victorsof National competitions in the future.

For the full report on the senior Laser Pico Nationals see senior site, news stories

Thanks go to grandfather Tony Bale for his bug photos.