West Riding Sailing Club, Wakefield, Yorkshire

Awards for All Oppis arrive in time for West Riding SC Summer Camp

The Award for All Oppis arrived with perfect timing for the annual Summer Camp, held this year over the weekend of 14^th/15^th June. Over sixty campers stayed over the whole weekend. In addition to members and their families, friends and visitors were encouraged to bring their children to swell the numbers during the day.

Saturday's frisky conditions demonstrated the amazing stability of these robust boats and complete beginners were able to take to the water in complete safety. Augmented by the three existing club Toppers and members' own craft, the Oppis provided almost non-stop sailing throughout the weekend for a range of ages, from toddlers to teens

The action turned from the water to the shore on Saturday evening. Teams were formed to take part in the "Fun with Liquorice" competition - what can you make out of sticks of liquorice, tooth picks, string, a balloon and a box of Liquorice Allsorts? Gordon Maddan provided some informal musical entertainment on the deck with his squeeze box, which was sufficiently toe tapping to induce some of the youngsters to dance and twirl. Altogether a great atmosphere!

Sunday's dawned calm and sunny and the Oppis were out early and rapidly filled with budding helms. The wind just about held body and soul together long enough for the Ladies and Junior races to take place in the afternoon round a short triangular course, after which prizes were awarded, including certificates for all junior participants in the weekend.

West Riding Sailing Club intends to utilise the Oppis and Toppers in monthly Saturday Club sessions, also on all Sunday mornings during the summer months. Non-member parents are to be encouraged to bring their children along to join in as a first toe-in-the-water step towards trying sailing. The club will be pleased to welcome anyone who comes to look round the club on a Sunday morning.

Results:

Ladies Race: 1. Debbie Clarkson

2. Megan Anderson

3. Sue McQuire/ Elaine Redfern

Junior Race: 1.Oliver Vauvelle

2. Bethan Keighley

3. Jo Gledhill

4. Sally Gledhill & Elena Trowsdale