One day for North Zone Champs 

Only one day of racing was possible for the RYA Northern Zone Championships at Ullswater this year.

After no racing on Saturday due to lack of wind, young sailors competing in the enjoyed the 5-8 knots that greeted them on Sunday.

One sailor who relished the light wind conditions was Sam Cooper, from West Lancashire Yacht Club in Southport who won the Topper fleet: "It was quite hard on the water, lots of wind shifts so tactically challenging.”

The Feva title went to Pierce Harris and Alfie Cogger from Windermere School SC with Sian Talbot and Eloise Clapson McBride from Leigh and Lowton Sailing Club second.

The Optimist class were the biggest fleet with 41 entries, honours going to Drew Gibbons from Redesmere Sailing Club.

Other youngsters got a taste of Zone competition by entering the Regatta event and in the Topper fleet first and second places went to youngsters from Chester Sailing Club, Leah Fidling and William Burbedge.

Hector Simpson, British Sailing Team Podium Potential Finn sailor was on hand to give sailors some top tips as well as handing out prizes to the top sailors at Ullswater.

Nationally, the RYA Zone and Home Country Championships attracted over 1,025 sailors and supporters from sailing clubs across the UK, giving all the youngsters the chance to experience big regatta racing without having to travel far from their home sailing clubs.

For some, the sailors will have improved their racing skills and overall ability after venturing out onto the competitive circuit for the first time.

The Championships traditionally mark the end of the Junior racing season and are a key event for any young sailor wishing to be selected for the RYA Zone and Home Country squads, which are the first step on the pathway to Olympic Classes sailing.