BURWAIN Sailing Club was formally presented with the award of Volvo Champion Club status at the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show at Alexandra Palace.
The award was presented by Hannah Mills and Saskia Clarke, who will represent Team GB in the women’s 470 class at the Weymouth Olympic Regatta.
It was accepted on behalf of the club by James Dewhurst, who has been central to the development of the Sailfish Club for kids at Burwain.
The award recognises the development of a programme of race training following on from the introduction of youngsters to the sport through the Sailfish club, which is linked to the Royal Yachting Association’s ‘On Board’ scheme.
The funding which comes with the award allows the club to offer more courses for youngsters to learn to sail this April. Having had some initial training, kids can join in the regular Friday night sessions through the summer and take up racing when they are ready.
The local RYA On Board co-ordinator will be assisting in promoting the club, making contact with and visiting local schools.
Children in Year 5 or 6 are at an ideal age to join the coaching schemes.
On Sunday, the first races of the Junior race series were sailed. Six boats took part, with races being won by Tom Blackburn in his Laser Dinghy, and Simon and Tom Carter in a 420 dinghy.
Also taking part was George Graham, who, although only 10, has won a place in the national Topper 4.2 squad.
Finn O’Hurley scored a creditable second place in a borrowed Vareo dinghy despite never having sailed it before.