Junior Racing
Junior Racing
The junior racing at Budworth focuses on fleet racing for the adopted classes on Saturday afternoons (the adult classes sail a handicap series on Saturdays). There is also a separate junior start on Sundays and Wednesdays, when the juniors sail the same course as the adult boats but usually with fewer laps.
The Junior Classes sailed at Budworth are Optimists, Mirrors and Toppers. All of which are RYA pathfinder classes for the regional and national squads, for those who are really bitten by the racing bug. Budworth has a long association with the RYA racing programmes. Members have represented our club at regional, national and international level and we regularly host training and open racing events. Our commitment to deliver safe, effective, high quality of race training is recognised in our status as a RYA Volvo Champion Club, which we have held since 2001. This means that we have access to support and advice on all aspects of Junior racing and race training from the RYA’s High Performance Manager and Regional Club coaches. Further details of the RYA racing programme is found here RYA Racing Programme
OPTIMISTS are the classic child’s beginner boat as they are very robust, safe and straightforward to sail. They are easily transported on top of a car being only 2.3 metres long and weighing 35kg. Second hand prices start at a few hundred pounds, up to over a thousand for a lean, mean racing machine. They are made of plastic, fibreglass (GRP) or wood. Further details of all things related to Optimists are found on the International Optimist Association website
The MIRROR is a fun 3-sail family sailing dinghy, ideal for both cruising and racing. It is large enough to be sailed by an adult and child, or two small adults, but small enough for two children. Many sailors have started their careers in the Mirror, first sailing with their parents then with other juniors. Some have gone on to be champions and even win Olympic medals! Further details are here UK Mirror Sailing
The TOPPER was designed as a lightweight, easy to sail plastic boat for children and small adults, a remit it fulfils admirably! Its lightweight, simple rig, ease of sailing and indestructible construction has made it one of the most popular classes in the country. It requires little maintenance, is easily rigged, rugged and safe for beginners and an exciting race boat too as your skills develop AND it is car-toppable! It is sailed by most clubs across the country and there is a thriving racing circuit for budding future champions. A smaller sail (4.2) is now available for lighter weight sailors or in stronger winds. For more details try GBR Topper Website and North West Junior Travellers
