Photo © Paul Handley

As in previous years the Desborough SC Junior Tera Open day marked the start of summer with blues skies throughout the day and enough breeze on the River Thames to ensure good racing.

In the first race Flynn Davis and Josh Aldridge of Burnham SC pulled out in front with Flynn leading until the last mark, only yards from the finishing line.  Then to the surprise of the onlookers Flynn started sailing to windward again before realising a few seconds later that he should be sailing to the finish – but it was too late and Josh crossed a couple of boat lengths in front to take first place.  Jamie Aldridge finished third and Edward Horton of Desborough SC fourth.

Flynn was determined to make up for this in race two and after a close race with Josh he proved the point by winning with Josh second and Jamie third again. 

This set the scene for a showdown in the third race and Flynn seemed at times to be the more determined to win, pulling out what looked like a comfortable lead.  But never say never when river racing - Josh caught a useful lift as Flynn was losing way in a lull and quickly Josh sensed that he was still in the race.  On the last beat Josh took the lead and held it to the finish to win the race and event.  Jamie took got another third and Josh Dalton of Desborough was fourth.

Josh was presented with the beautiful Nauticalia Trophy for winning and Matt Renton of Desborough, age 7 years, won the Ayton Endeavour trophy for sailing consistently well and finishing all races despite only having learnt to sail the week before.

Our thanks go to Desborough SC and all their helpers and to Nauticalia for their generous sponsorship.

Results: 1. Joshua Aldridge (Burnham SC) 2. Flynn Davis (Burnham SC) 3. Jamie Aldridge (Burnham SC) 4 Edward Horton (DSC) 5 Josh Dalton (DSC) 6 Matt Renton (DSC) 7 Nick Pepall (DSC)

Report by Paul Handley