The Zone Squad training programme is the follow on from the great assistence and sponsorship given by Volvo in setting up the Volvo Champion Clubs status. In the southern region thirteen clubs have now qualified as Volvo Champion Clubs and squads have been formed from these clubs and are in place in the following Junior Classes: Topper, Mirror, Cadet, Optimist, Feva and a Handicap fleet.
These squads are again in place in the South Zone following a training programme organised last winter by RYA High Performance Manager Simon Wergan. The demand for this coaching has been significant with a large number of young sailors being selected for the squads via the indicator series, with others being put forward by coaches, flotilla leaders or other Talent Scouts.
Squad members are entitled to five full weekends of coaching plus an off the water lecture programme. Some 90 South Zone sailors attended training between November 2002 and April 2003, culminating with the RYA South Zone Championships held at Hayling Island Sailing Club on 28 and 29 June 2003 i.e. last weekend.
This required months of organising and a huge Race and Support Team from HISC. Arranging a Championship for one class out in Hayling Bay is one thing. But to run such an important event as the Zone Championships for 150 young sailors between 8 and 17 years old in Chichester Harbour is a mammoth task. Especially with all the demands of the Port Marine Safety Code and the requirements for Risk Asessment and Safety Policies that work efficiently.
It is a credit to Robert Dix and all the amateurs that helped me and the Race officers, Zeb Elliott and Rob Wells. Together with the co-operation of all the clubs of Chichester Harbour Federation and the Harbour Master - all who left us an almost clear harbour to work in.
Saturday brought its problems with a lack of wind and a fast approaching turn of the tide, but after a 30 minute postponement racing got underway in a South West wind. During races one and two wind shifts necessitated a little course tweeking and race three got underway with an increasing wind that made for some exciting racing.
Sunday brought a stronger breeze from the east which varied from south east to south, south east and back again, but the wind got up to 16 knots and these young sailors loved it. Their excitment and exuberence was infectious for us in the committee boat and the quality of seamanship was superb and I know from their performance that we have some future olympic sailors on the way.
The support from the Parents was greatly appreciated and the good humour of the competitors made it a Championship to remember. The Prize giving was extremely well organised by Caroline Maxfield, wife of Paul Maxfield who did a great job as Beach Master. All masterminded by Simon Wergan who organised some extra prizes for deserving competitors and the race team, culminating in Simon presenting the Club with a framed RYA burgee and citation to commemorate the Championship at HISC.
I hope that all the team members who I have not mentioned will accept my thanks and accept that without them this event could not have taken place.
Mike Baker National Race Officer and Co-ordinator.
Final Leaders of the various classes :-
Cadets - Aaron Cooper and Rebecca Hopwood, Frensham Ponds SC
Topper - Alistair Nichol, Emsworth Slipper SC
RS Fever - Maria Stanley and Hannah Diamond, Warsash SC
Handicap - Max Holloway, Lymington SC
Mirror - Ned McNulty and Tom Hodkinson, Hill Head SC
Optimist - Robbie Claridge, Lymington YC
