Home > News > Young Sailors Make Waves at MKBYSA Series Opener at Stewartby

Young Sailors Make Waves at MKBYSA Series Opener at Stewartby

Published 12:09 on 18 Feb 2025

The Milton Keynes & Bucks Youth Sailing Association (MKBYSA) series kicked off in style at Stewartby Water Sports Club on Saturday, as young sailors from across the region lined up for the first event of the season. With a mix of Lasers, Toppers, and an RS 200 on the start line, competitors aged 11 to 17 took part in two exciting races, enjoying a day of friendly competition and skill-building.

The event welcomed sailors from Milton Keynes, Emberton Park, Haversham, Great Moor, and SWSC, offering a fun and supportive racing environment. Light morning winds gradually built into gustier conditions later in the day, rewarding good boat handling and tactical awareness.

Fast Starts and Close Racing

With race officer Colin Clasper and a team of volunteers overseeing the event, sailors took on two 45-minute races around a set course.

In Race 1, the RS 200 crew of Grace Muldoon & Lucy Rodler took the lead with smooth gybing and impressive spinnaker handling that helped them extend their advantage on the downwind legs. Their teamwork and control were praised by Clasper, who noted their improvement since their last regatta.

As the wind picked up in Race 2, it was Aidan Harris in his Laser who took charge, sailing fast and making smart tactical decisions to secure the win. With stronger gusts keeping everyone on their toes, sailors had to react quickly and make the most of their boat speed.

The event provided a great opportunity for sailors to gain experience, test their skills against their peers, and enjoy competitive racing in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.

Race Results

Race 1

Grace Muldoon & Lucy Rodler (RS 200)
Aidan Harris (Laser)
Hayden Clark (Laser)
Shane Mackinnon (Laser Radial)
Morgan Gwilliam (Topper)
Hollie Jamieson (Topper)
Archie Clanfield (Topper)

Race 2

Aidan Harris (Laser)
Grace Muldoon & Lucy Rodler (RS 200)
Morgan Gwilliam (Topper)
Shane Mackinnon (Laser Radial) DNF
Hayden Clark (Laser) DNF
Archie Clanfield (Topper) DNF

Next Event March 8th at Milton Keynes Sailing Club

The MKBYSA series continues on Saturday, March 8th, at Milton Keynes Sailing Club, where young sailors will once again test their skills and compete for top positions in the standings.

Next Event at Stewartby Water Sports Club

The next MKBYSA event at Stewartby takes place on Saturday, 14th June.

About MKBYSA

The Milton Keynes & Bucks Youth Sailing Association (MKBYSA) supports young sailors by providing structured racing opportunities, coaching, and a pathway for development. Partnering with local clubs, MKBYSA offers a safe and fun environment where sailors can grow in confidence, improve their racing skills, and enjoy being on the water.

For more information about the series, visit - MK & Bucks Youth Sailing