Boating Champions of the Future: Young Sailors Excel in Draycote Water Youth Open Meeting

December 30th, 2025 marked a major event in the world of youth sailing as a wave of young talent descended upon Draycote Water for a thrilling competition. The Draycote Water Sailing Club Youth Open Meeting saw over a hundred eager sailors, all showing an astounding level of skill and determination.

The enthralling one-day event, sponsored by Fernhurst Books, featured fierce competition across four single-handed classes. The classes included Optimist, RS Tera, Topper, and ILCA, with battle cries resonating across the water as youthful sailors went head-to-head.

With an ideal north-easterly breeze setting the stage, the competitors, each battling within different classes, immersed themselves in the heady thrill of a cold but enthralling day of back-to-back races. The event drew commendable entries, with the overall victory in the ILCA 4s being claimed by Callum Marshall from the east coast club Blackwater SC, while Draycote Water’s own Toby Turner secured second place.

Club Manager Dave Rowe couldn’t contain his joy while welcoming sailors from across the country to Draycote Water. Aside from being a fan of the sport, Dave was particularly thrilled by the success of the home sailors, congratulating his academy team and thanking the staff and volunteers who helped run the event.

Stepping into 2026, the club is gearing up for an eventful year ahead. The young sailors too, undeterred by winter’s chill, look forward to rigorous training sessions in preparation for the upcoming season. With its glorious setting and an encouraging ambience, Draycote Water continues to serve as a nurturing platform for these burgeoning sailing talents, setting the scene for an exhilarating future of the sport.