Merlin Rocket Youth Championship 2024 at Itchenor Sailing Club: A Thrilling Sailing Event for Young Sailors
Merlin Rocket Youth Championship 2024 at Itchenor Sailing Club
31 August – 1 September 2024
A total of 10 boats participated in the second year of the Merlin Rocket Youth Championships at Itchenor Sailing Club. This championship offers a wonderful opportunity for young helms and crews, especially since owning a Merlin can be challenging for those under 25. Many young sailors made the most of the weekend by borrowing boats from experienced owners.
The rules for the event require that the helm is 25 or under, and participants can win a trophy by bringing along a younger crew member. A big thank you goes to Itchenor Sailing Club for hosting a fantastic weekend of racing and to those involved from the Merlin Class for their organization. Special thanks to the Merlin owners who generously lent their boats, allowing the youth sailors to compete in quality equipment.
The weather on the first day featured breezy conditions with winds between 12 to 16 knots. Eight out of the 10 boats completed all three races, heightened by the challenge of determining which side of the beat would offer the best advantage. While most opted for the right side of the course, Josh Oates and Freya Hudson found success by staying on the left side, leading from start to finish.
The competitive atmosphere resembled that of a National 12 event, with notable sibling rivalries intensifying the competition. Oliver Meadowcroft and Anna Aylward displayed exceptional skills, winning the next two races after their initial triumph. Both realized the advantage of physical fitness required in the Merlin class after a long day on the water.
On the second day, the sailing conditions improved, and all boats returned to the water, with Josh and Freya again establishing strong leads. The overall competition remained tight, with various pairings vying for podium finishes. James and Rory Gifford maintained their positions and performed admirably throughout the event, securing the overall Youth Championship.
These championships are a fantastic way to introduce younger sailors to the sport, showcasing their talents and the team dynamics within the fleet. The Merlin Rocket Youth Championships exemplify passion for sailing and dedication among young competitors.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Boat Name | Sail No | Helm | Crew | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Bluebird | 3683 | Oliver Meadowcroft | Anna Aylward | Salcombe YC | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -3 | 6 |
| 2nd | Narnia | 3751 | Isobel Stewart | Mary Henderson White | Waldringfield SC / Brightlingsea SC | -4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 10 |
| 3rd | Borrowed from James | 3793 | Rebecca Videlo | Megan Pascoe | Frensham Pond | 5 | -6 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 15 |
| 4th | Fragile | 3727 | James Gifford | Rory Gifford | Royal Tay Yacht Club | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | -6 | 6 | 20 |
| 5th | Ted | 3666 | Zoe Meadowcroft | Robert Stewart | Salcombe YC / Waldringfield SC | -6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 24 |
| 6th | Attack of the Clones | 3662 | Josh Oates | Freya Hudson | Bartley SC | 1 | 7 | -8 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 25 |
| 7th | Keyser Soze | 3684 | Peter Crudgington | George Bender | Midland Sailing Club | -7 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 29 |
| 8th | Monkey Business | 3707 | Flo Nicholls | Freya Lillywhite | Exeter University Sailing Club | 8 | 8 | 7 | -9 | 8 | 8 | 39 |
| 9th | Deep Thought | 3451 | Tre Jacobs | Jacob Gould | Upper Thames Sailing Club | 9 | (DNF) | DNC | 8 | 9 | 10 | 47 |
| 10th | Prologue | 3581 | David Lucas | Robyn Taylor | Bartley / Trimpley Sailing Club | (DNC) | DNC | DNC | 10 | 10 | 9 | 51 |
Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.