Juniors Week Report 2025 9th 13th August 2025

Juniors week 2025 was officially opened Friday evening with a fantastic welcome from Rear Commodore David Riley.  Junior sailors were delighted with their gifts of beautifully handmade pencil cases, individually made by Margaret and David, encapsulating their support for sustainability. 

began with an early start and despite the 7.30AM registration the team arrived full of excitement and enthusiasm for the week ahead.  We were blessed with sunny skies that matched the smiles of our young sailors, 45 in all, from our Swashbucklers starting at aged 7 up to our 16-year-olds in the racing fleet.  Our 5 groups that also included Pirates, Buccaneers and Adventurers were to demonstrate impactable behaviour, manors and teamwork throughout the week both on and off the water.

Following our briefing for helpers, we hit the water.  Racers were able to sail down the harbour due to a perfect Westerly breeze straight after their training room session.  Our younger sailors recapped their knowledge of rigging and launching, then sailed on a beam reach, progressing quickly to upwind sailing as they benefited from the perfect conditions.  Lunchtime became a fun and sociable time where we could enjoy the shelter of Hengistbury Head training centre, with the Harbour full of CSC dinghies the young sailors could share the mornings adventures with their friends.  

On our return to the club, we enjoyed the offerings from the BBQ courtesy of Jon H and Lyndsey N, ready for our next adventure of the day.  This year saw our first ever shipwrecked rounders, as the tide ran from the Harbour, we discovered a new way to enjoy our playground, ferrying the team of Pirates young and old to the squelch of sand bar we set up base.  A bat, a ball, and what soon became apparent - a very competitive game of rounders!  We soon discovered the ringers with Theo F insisting on taking over 1^st base to ensure his team took as many out as possible and Rachel C player of the match from the adults, bringing back a little more mud than most!   Soon the water began to rise and as we got wet toes it was time to return, plenty of fun and giggles had by all.

came and with it more beautiful sunshine, coaches were anxious to launch and prep their sailors ahead of the afternoons annual Pursuit race.  Another seamless launch led by dock leads Nic M and Dan W.  Whilst our Swashbucklers had fun and games in the Harbour, the racers raced, our other three groups Pirates, Buccaneers and Adventurers set sail for the start line, keen to finish victors and take home the famous Dolphin trophy!  Following last years biblical conditions, this year allowed our groups to demonstrate some fantastic skills, sailing to wind, gybing and using all points of sail, we also saw one Pirate sailor Eli C complete the race, showing determination and great ability.  Adventurer Vesper held the lead, and despite great efforts and close competition from Ellie J, Sam and Abi she crossed the line ahead and victory was hers, a great achievement for her being the first time sailing in an RS Tera.

Monday Funday

bought with it more excitement as Captain Jonny lead the way for this years Treasure Hunt, we sailed away to find the gold.  Sailors were paired up to work in teams and locate the clues around the Harbour.  After finding the loot it was time for a picnic and Ice cream!  The Harbour was alive with the gentle flapping of CSC sails as our team of Pirates descended on Mudeford Green.   The day was another success and reflected the determination and teamwork demonstrated by our young sailors.  Buccaneers left the shelter of the beach independently sailing beautifully across the Harbour for more games before their return. 

Day 4, and the energy levels failed to flounder, Swashbucklers and Pirates had their own adventure, launching in Barn Bite we sailed to the beach, more ice creams and even a swim in the sea.  This morning being a standout moment for the groups coaches as all seven sailors tacked, sailing to wind independently the entire distance, and then back to Barn Bite for lunch time!   Meanwhile our racers took part in match racing, a new skill to learn and they thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and working in pairs.

Adventurers braved the entrance and had their first ever sail at sea.  Led by Gareth J they pushed the quest full steam and even managed a capsize!

On return to the club, the day was by no means over as it was time for the much-anticipated Parents race!  This year bought with it very light winds and it soon became apparent that wind alone would not see the distance, with a strong start Mark P took the lead.  Juniors did their best to encourage, coach and saturate their adults but soon Race officer Andy soon took the call to allow less conventional tactics.  Despite the varied fleets efforts to paddle, swim and even walk the course, Mark held strong and finished Victor, the Cannon his!

It had come around far too soon, but we capitalised on every moment.  The light winds tested our racers knowledge and decision making, they sailed an LRA Windward/Leeward course, and the use of the two leeward marks encouraged the sailors to consider tide and split the fleet.  A few great finishing positions came from racers Ting and Freya J showing how they had improved throughout the week. 

Back on dry land and Fish and chips were welcomed by all, ahead of the evenings prize giving it was time to put on our cowboy boots!  A fantastic party kicked off with a lesson in line dancing, followed by musical chairs, limbo and finally great tunes from DJ B AKA Adrian.

The presentation itself was a testament to our young sailors with each receiving a certificate and medal.  Many trophies were presented, and racers final places announced as follows 3^rd  Theo F, 2^nd Harry D and 1^st Reuben H.

With what became one of our most successful weeks to date, we look back fondly on the many wonderful memories made.  Thanks go to all the catering and bar staff for their service throughout the week.  To all the Coaches and volunteers who help make this happen, to Kate J for the seamless organising behind the scenes and Lead Andy H.