Perfect conditions for fundraising sailing regatta

The conditions in The Solent were perfect for the annual sailing extravaganza, which was organised by the Royal Naval Club and Royal Albert Yacht Club, Portsmouth Sailing Club, the Victory Class and the Eastney Cruising Association.

It was a day of warm southerly winds and moderate seas, which was a challenge for some of the boats.

Adrian Saunders, who organised the event, which happened two weeks ago, said the strong, consistent winds made for very fast course times.

He added: ‘We had some very hard duels and close finishes.

‘It was a very successful day.’

The nominated charity of the Regatta was Portsmouth Sailing Training Trust (PSTT), which had six boats competing with 12 young people on board, the youngest of which was just 11.

Kieran Macpherson, 16, Kacey-Ellen Thornton, 15 and Kaya Larkin, 15, all of Charter Academy, won the prize for first youth boat.

Kacey-Ellen, who had never sailed before working with PSTT, said: ‘It was the best day ever, I love sailing.’

She recently competed at Cowes Week and when she finishes school she wants to be a professional sailor.

Kacey-Ellen is building a portfolio of Royal Yachting Association qualifications through PSTT.

John Gillard, principal of PSTT, said: ‘It was a great day with enjoyably challenging conditions.

‘Our crews sold raffle tickets for a prize generously donated by Camber Wines and raised £150 for the trust.’

The sponsors, Camber Wines, dpfx Printers, Haslar Marina, Kemp Sails, Saulet Townsend Solicitors and YouBoat chandlery provided prizes at the ceremony, which took place at Hornet Services Sailing Club, Gosport.

Regatta chairman Miles Linington closed the prizegiving by promising a bigger and better Portsmouth Regatta in 2017 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Naval Club.