Yacht Club youngsters compete nationally (From Barry And District News)

Yacht Club youngsters compete nationally

Cadets from Barry Yacht Club competed with some success in the inter-regional championships organised by the Welsh Yachting Association in challenging weather conditions off the Pwllheli coast in North Wales.

Bronwen Burton (aged 16) in a 420 and Nathan Bailey (12) in an Optimist were each up against nearly 100 others. Many dinghies sustained damage from the strong winds and the two days of competition racing were both strenuous and tiring for all these young sailors.

A safety boat was on hand to give assistance to Bronwen and her crew when they were among the first of the 420 class casualties.

A strong gust capsized the boat and it must have been disappointing for them to find shortly afterwards that one of their buoyancy tanks had sprung a leak. This forced them to retire from the first race, although the support team from BYC was able to provide a replacement boat for them to continue with the series.

Some of the most exciting racing took place among the Optimists. The rough sea state made it hard work for the smallest of boats and the youngest of single-handed crews in the competition. Those taking part, from all over Wales, displayed a high degree of skill and tenacity in being able to handle their craft in such weather conditions.

In his new Oppy "Spiff", Nathan finished in overall third position. This was a most worthy result, reflecting credit upon this promising young yachtsman and those who have given freely of their time to instruct him and prepare him for such high profile events.

Nathan has hopes of making the Welsh junior squad and perhaps the youth team in the future.

Barry Yacht Club has in the past months been involved in a major redevelopment scheme. RYA short-based courses are now taught in a purpose-built classroom on the club site.

There is to be an Introduction to Sailing Open Day on Saturday, June 7, when members of the public will have an opportunity to experience some of the pleasure of taking to the water in a sail boat.

Membership of the club is available to anyone with an interest in sailing. You do not have to own a boat and many boat-owning members are in need of crew. As a bonus for new members, there is this year no joining fee.

For further details of the Open Day and to reserve a place, telephone 01446 735714 or 721230.