Nippers Nip, Oct 10, 2020

Published 12:47 on 13 Oct 2020

Ullswater Yacht Club's junior sailors marked the end of their sailing season on Saturday, October 10, with the traditional annual 'Nippers Nip' races.
A total of 16 boats took to the water on a blustery day with a cold Northerly wind. But that did not put off UYC's keen and enthusiastic youngsters who have had a great sailing season despite the restrictions imposed by the club to ensure the safety of members. The junior fleet of under 16-year-olds has increased in 2020, has been the biggest racing fleet in the club this year and plans are already being made for a packed programme in 2021.
The youngsters raced in front of the clubhouse, a great spectacle for their family and friends and other club members. Confusion over a mark, and the correct way to go round it in the first race, added to the entertainment.
There were four races and overall winner was Topper sailor Alex Leslie, who lives near Penrith, with Olivia Dembinska from Carlisle in a Tera second and Violet Simpson, from near Penrith, in a Topper third. But when it's Nippers Nip, everyone's a winner and there was something for every competitor at the prizegiving.
Volunteer instructor Chris Mulholland who has worked with the juniors all season said: "Well done to all the UYC youngsters who sailed today and have been out on the water right through the year. Despite all the challenges it's been another great year and brilliant to see new faces in the fleet.
"We are already starting to plan for next year and rest assured we shall be doing all that we can to get you on the water as soon as is possible. As ever a thank you to mums and dads, don't forget kids... you can't do it without them."

Pictured, Nippers Nip prizewinners: First Alex Leslie, centre. second Olivia Dembinska, right, and third Violet Simpson, left.

- Sue Giles

Last updated 19:16 on 15 April 2024