West Kirby 16th July 2005

Leigh & Lowton Juniors went travelling -
All practised Capsizing at West Kirby

The 8th event in the 2005 North West Junior Travellers series was held at West Kirby on Saturday 16th July. The forecast 7-9mph winds & unbroken sunshine was replaced by the reality which was a steady F4 & chilly wind under dark grey skies. More layers were hastily put on (including trousers for those that brought them) Some knew better and waited for the sun to kick in (which it did around lunchtime), at least the shorts proved useful for launching boats.

A crowded start line put pressure on the fleet, many eager parents had fingers crossed that the windy conditions wouldn't dampen the spirits of the younger/lighter competitors. Meanwhile Jessica and Sophie gleeful at the conditions (they had the prayer mats out for strong wind for most of the previous week) had their own battle in the first race - and a triumphant Jessica crossed the finishing line ahead of Sophie even after an unexpected dip on the line (what a fast recovery)

The more experienced Juniors have the ability & training to set the others an example on starting procedures, etiquette and sportsmanlike behavior.

The conditions saw a laser 4.7 sail emerge as Luke struggled to combat the conditions, Alistair still managed to be the first laser home, both giving the capsize drill some perfecting manoevres. 2 Topper sailors chose to opt for the new 4.2 rig, this proved to be quite competitive, certainly more so than struggling with a reefed standard sail. Sarah still managed quite a number of capsizes as she made her NWJTT debut in her Topper with 4.2.

The triangle sausage course mean't no long buoy names to remember, there was a long beat to the windward mark, this was rectified in the subsequent races when the marks were altered much to the competitors relief. Two races were held before lunch, the leeward shore proved a struggle for some to launch and recover, this mean't some hasty fending off by supporting parents on the pontoons.

By the lunch break the sun had got itself back into the state we are accustomed to and the fleet was back on the water for the last two races with the waft of sunblock filling the nostrils. Sarah & John brought a little friend (they were dogsitting for a fortnight) which certainly encouraged people to get up & have a wander round the lake - walkies anyone!!!

The Oppy fleet was short on numbers now that Sarah has moved on & Christopher was having a day off. Lucy was joined by Zachary Bromhead of the local club, Lucy survived 3 races chasing the local lad round the lake, at one point she was thrown out of her boat but managed to clamber back in unaided & carried on to finish 2nd overall. After finishing the 3rd race she ran into a problem approaching the lee shore, she tangled with a rescue boat & accidentally gybed with her centreboard up - this resulted in the second capsize of her season, luckily there was ample help on hand as a number of competitors came to her aid - it was left to dad to bail the water out - wow these oppies hold a lot.

By this time all the Leigh & Lowton juniors had capsized at some time during the day, there were some very tricky gusts which kept the rescue boats busy, the standard of sailing was admired from the shore & the many vantage points around the marine lake. Some very tired but satisfied travellers finished the day working out how thier results were going to pan out and affect the overall series situation......with 2 more events to go it's getting quite competitive....

With West Kirby Cadets very profficiently taking the first 4 places in the handicap fleet, it was great to see Sophie finishing 8th (& 3rd Topper), Daisy, Gideon, Sarah & Laura followed on behind - all had tales to eagerly tell the parents on the beach.

This series has emerged over recent seasons (very successfully), to be an introduction for juniors that can sail, to racing on different waters. The atmosphere is a lot more relaxed than at major championships or open meetings and the courses are set with the ability of the entrants in mind with an over-riding priority to encourage youngsters. This ideal is being achieved admirably - all the Leigh & Lowton Juniors (and Parents) enjoy the events & are ready to head for Redesmere in September.

Next event Redesmere Sat 3rd September (awesome BBQ not to be missed)

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