JUNIOR WEEK - 30th JULY to 3rd AUGUST 2007

The 2007 Mengeham Rythe Sailing Club Junior Regatta Week was a record year with 56 MRSC members taking part, plus a few visitors, in this annual event held on Hayling Island.  The first day, on Monday 28^th July, was blessed with a blue sky and gentle breezes enabling all classes of dinghies to set sail in the three sailing areas. The more experienced sailors in the Red Series, in the fast and slow handicap fleets, used the open waters of Chichester Harbour, whilst the less experienced youngsters in the Blue Series, in the Topper, Optimist and a medium handicap fleets sailed in the more sheltered area of the harbour on “West Mud”. The novice sailors in the Gold Series sailed in front of the club house in Optimists and provided exciting entertainment for parents and visitors who watched some of the younger competitors progress during the week from dodgems on the water to controlled sailing around an Olympic course.

Racing was unfortunately abandoned by the Red and Blue fleets on the Thursday as a squall delayed the starts and then the wind disappeared completely. However, the Gold fleet, managed to complete a short race on that day testing their new found skills in light weather sailing. On the last day, Friday 3^rd August, with the best wind and weather conditions of the week, the fleets were all able to complete their 10 race series.

At the Prize giving, Elaine Barnett, Junior Secretary said “This has been a particularly enjoyable and successful Junior Week thanks to the favourable wind and weather but especially thanks to all the volunteers who ran the races, manned the patrol boats, organised the safe launch and recovery of the dinghies, registered the competitors, recorded the results and organised the catering.” The prizes, with special awards sponsored by sponsored by Mengham Post Office and Focus Watersports, were presented by Rachelle Allsop, the Commodore’s Lady.

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