Wilf Kunze
18 February, 2025
Sport

Young sailors at Northampton SC train for the next season

Last Saturday (15th Feb.) cold and drizzly conditions with light wind was the scene for nine young sailors who met at Northampton SC on Pitsford Reservoir. 

Two young sailors from Middle Nene SC are planning their racing tactics.

This was the second of three winter coaching events organised in preparation for the Northamptonshire Youth Series, a popular race series with regattas held at several locations in the county.

Following a hearty breakfast the youngsters rigged their boats for the day. Well-equipped for the conditions in dry suits and warm clothes, they first did a number of practical exercises in boat handling and sailing tactics, followed by two races where theory could be turned into practice straightaway. All this under the watchful eyes of racing coaches from Northants SC and neighbouring Middle Nene SC, who also ensured safety on the water, a high priority given the age of the participants and the cold weather. 

“We noticed a considerable improvement in performance compared with our previous event in January and our young sailors certainly enjoyed a bit of time on the water, especially since we cannot use our own lake in Thrapston during the winter months. Winter training really helps to keep the spirit going and we look forward to meeting all the other clubs from the county in spring and summer!” said Mark Greer, Rear Commodore Sailing and Head Coach at Middle Nene SC.

One more training session is planned for 15th March, before the official regatta season starts in Spring with events at Northampton SC, Cransley SC, Banbury SC, Draycote SC Middle Nene SC and Hollowell SC.

MNSC Head Coach Mark Greer (right) and his team colleague Roo Jarvis are helping a young sailor to get his boat ready.
MNSC Head Coach Mark Greer (right) and his team colleague Roo Jarvis are helping a young sailor to get his boat ready. Credit: © MNSC

Details about the Series of events are available from www.facebook.com/northamptonshireyouthseries 

Waiting for the starting signal for a practice race.
Waiting for the starting signal for a practice race. Credit: © MNSC
Single- and two-handed dinghies sail in the Northants Youth Series.
Single- and two-handed dinghies sail in the Northants Youth Series. Credit: © MNSC
Sailing at close quarters during a race start.
Sailing at close quarters during a race start. Credit: © MNSC
Coaches in motor boats are always nearby to give advice and make sure everybody is safe on the water.
Coaches in motor boats are always nearby to give advice and make sure everybody is safe on the water. Credit: © MNSC