Coombe Cellars was the perfect setting on Sunday for the second stage, hosted by Teign Corinthian YC, of the Exe Junior Regatta.  With a stiff breeze blowing up from Teignmouth, accompanied by constant sunshine, 40 children under 18 years of age competed in three dinghy races.

Some were taking part in their first proper competitive event. Some were obviously quite experienced racers, sometimes affectionately known as rock stars, who prepared their boats some two hours before the racing, then went on to assess the conditions before getting changed!

Teign Corinthian YC Race Officer, Don Harrison, set a standard triangular course, which included a slightly shorter upwind leg for the slower boats.  Those that were on the steep part of the learning curve were given every encouragement with some coaching on the water.

All the sailors completed all the races, with the exception of a few of the very youngest.

In the fast fleet of nine boats, the RS200 sailed by James and George Payne (Exe SC) set the pace and after the handicap adjustments finished first overall on the day on 5pts. Just one point behind was Max Williams (Exe SC) in a Laser Radial. Third place went to Sammie Colyer(Teign CYC) in her Laser 4.7 who leads in the series, but she cannot relax as she can be caught by both the RS200 and the Radial. At the end of the series the competitors may be able to discard their two worst results depending on how many races are completed.

25 boats competed in the Slow fleet, which saw a class act by James Turle and Will Rousell (Exe SC) as they racked up three wins. The runner up was Charlie Greenslade (Starcross YC) in a Topper with Jack Hawkes-Smith(Teign CYC), also in Topper, third.  This order reflects the overall positions in the series.

Added entertainment, as if it were needed, was provided by the Teign Rowers who made a rapid crew changeover in their gigs right at the slipway. It looked like chaos, but seemed to work efficiently enough. Thankfully they were long gone before the sailors came back ashore.

Everyone seemed to finish happy and the smiles got bigger as they got nearer to the barbecue, which was enjoyed by everyone.

The final stage of the series is at Starcross YC on 13th June with the first race at 10.00.