Tonbridge School hosts the Youth Icicle Series

Written Jonathan Moss

Each year, Bough Beech Sailing Club, with the support of Sevenoaks School, Tonbridge School host the ‘Youth Icicle series’. The competition consists of four afternoons of racing during the winter, running multiple 30-minute races with a handicap fleet racing format.  Now in just its second year, the event has attracted over 65 boat entries, which equates to over 120 children on the water racing each afternoon. There is a large range of abilities, with some racing for their very first time, whilst others are fine-tuning their racing skills and are on the Olympic pathway.

Our Tonbridge sailors have entered the event in a variety of boats, including the Laser, RS Feva, and RS200 classes. At the front of our Tonbridge fleet are Emmanuel (HS3) and John (FH2) in an RS200, currently ranked 7th overall, followed by Charlie (WH4) in his Laser, currently 13th overall. Many of our RS Feva sailors are newer to racing and some are experiencing it for the very first time.

A particular highlight from race one was Emmanuel and John crossing the fleet ‘on port’ at start time (pictured). A risky move, but one that clearly paid off, helping them finish 2nd overall in the race. The next instalments of the competition take place on Saturday 31 January, Saturday 7 January and Saturday 28 February. All under 18s are very welcome to enter via the Sailing Club website, found here.