Budworth Wins Big at the SSC 12 Hour Junior Race

Published 23:08 on 2 Jul 2023

After a difficult few years of Covid, we were absolutely thrilled to be back out on the water at sunny Southport Sailing Club for a long 12 hours of fun on Saturday 24^th June 2023 with our GP14 boat. Needless to say, the weather definitely did not disappoint with both sunshine and breeze blessing the marine lake. Competition was heating up with 14 boats entered with juniors teams of 6-8 member per boat and a wide expanse of ages ranging from as young as 10 all the way up to 19. After arriving on the Friday afternoon, the wind was looking strong as we battled to set up our tents but eased off as the night drew to a close. An early 6am start called for an early night as we trailed off to bed.

A bright and early start of 6am was had for most (some even earlier for those who had not camped over) so we could begin rigging the boat and preparing for the race due to start at 8am. Coffee and bacon butties were in great supply as you can imagine. The Enterprises were off first, closely followed by the GP14s and finally the Argos. James and Sian were ready and raring to get out on the water and set us up for success with a great start to the race. Our social media influencers were on the ball keeping all our followers up to date with everything from our lap times to the number of swans in view at any time. After a successful fastest first two laps (winning the West Wood Cup), Fin and Joe were keen to get out in time for the fastest lap after noon- successfully getting the Sandgrounder Trophy in the bag. As the day progressed, slick, smooth changeovers were in rotation throughout the fleet and regular updates were flowing to our team coach Bill Kenyon who was on his way back from Spain; feeding him the low down on every aspect of the race (and how many swans of course).

It was an utterly gorgeous day from the spectator's point of view and called for an abundance of suncream, hydration and snacks. We went to great lengths to make sure everyone stayed fully hydrated, with Fin and Eva using rehydration as an excuse for a water fight. The atmosphere was radiant. Dappled sunlight shimmered over the lake with an increase in wind strength and gusts reaching 17 knots, saw a few capsizes. Shortly after noon, Rosanna and Mathew set out ready for the fastest ladies' helm lap at 4pm. After a rather speedy lap we were pleased to say we had bagged the McDonald Ladies Trophy.

As the hours passed by, the end was now in sight, and the breeze was rapidly dropping off. Finally, Rosanna and Sian took over from Fin and Joe for the final stretch and a push for the Last Gasp Trophy in minimal wind. The sun was still shining, and the competitors were still smiling, the atmosphere was unchanged from the beginning. The finish saw a jubilant victory for Budworth SC.

A special mention to the hosts, Southport SC who finished 2^nd after keeping us on our toes for 12 hours. West Lancs successfully finished 1^st Enterprise and 3^rd overall.

The Budworth junior team entry consisted of James Alexander, Sian Baird, Rosanna Joyce, Joe Mills, Matthew Williams, Finley Waterhouse and Eva Murphy.

Final Trophy Count for the Budworth junior team:

Race Report by Rosanna Joyce