KSSA Mid Season Training Camp & Regatta 2025 at Downs Sailing Club
by Anna Candy 15 Jul 03:31 NZST
5-6 July 2025
Downs Sailing Club, nestled on the exposed coastline of Deal, Kent, delivered a weekend of demanding conditions, standout performances, and high-energy racing as it hosted the latest round of the Kent Schools Sailing Association (KSSA) Mid-Summer Regatta on July 5th - 6th.
The event attracted 43 young sailors across 36 boats, ranging in age from 8 to 18, representing clubs across the county. The fleet included Toppers, Lasers (Radial and 4.7), Optimists, and double-handers such as Fevas, 420s, RS200, and Topaz Duos.
Saturday: Breezy Training and Preparation in a Lumpy Sea State
Saturday was dedicated to training, but there was no gentle warm-up. A brisk South Westerly breeze blowing against the incoming tide built up a steep, awkward chop, giving sailors a real test before race day. For some of the newer helms, it was their first taste of sea sailing, and the Downs KSSA coaching team ensured plenty of on-water support.
Despite the challenging conditions, enthusiasm was high, particularly from an energetic Margate Yacht Club contingent, whose spirit and determination were evident from the outset.
Sunday: Tactical Challenges, Building Breeze, and a Thunderstorm Finale
Sunday delivered four races for the main fleet and two for the Regatta fleet, with the Race Committee kept on their toes throughout the day. Early cloud cover and shifting winds made for a tactically complex morning, followed by a steady southerly that built into the afternoon.
For the main fleet, Races 1 and 2 saw frequent shifts in both direction and pressure. In Race 2, the course axis was changed to reflect the wind direction shifting 70 degrees to the west. However, by the time the lead boats reached the first windward mark, the wind had shifted back from westerly to South South Westerly. This was not an issue until the boats rounded mark 3 (to starboard) and found the leg to mark 4 a tight reach.
With the tidal flow still going to Ramsgate, the third place Laser Radial found itself below the lay line and rounded mark 4 to starboard. The die was then cast, and all the remaining fleet followed. Those who stayed heads-up and reacted to the breeze transitions were rewarded, while others were caught out. In Race 2, only two Lasers correctly rounded mark 4, with the rest of the fleet misjudging the course, a costly error in an otherwise cleanly run morning.
With a scheduled four races, the decision was made to complete the final race. With the weather closing in and the impending storm, the race team, with the support of everyone afloat, managed the conditions well and timed the S flag (shorten course) to perfection. As the breeze filled in from the south, Races 3 and 4 provided some of the best sailing of the day.
The leading Lasers and the 420 were planning downwind in a superb display of high-wind boat handling. Notable performances came from Issy Pritchard (Laser 4.7) and Henry Moss (Laser, Downs SC), who sailed a consistent and intelligent series to retain the Burgess Bucket Trophy that he previously won at the 2024 event staged at Medway YC.
The Topper fleet was particularly competitive, with several lighter sailors in 4.2 rigs mixing it up at the front and occasionally outpacing the 5.3s, particularly in the lighter first race.
Throughout the day, the Race Committee delivered a masterclass in responsive race management. Faced with a shifting gradient breeze early in the day, mark layers were kept busy as the team worked to keep courses fair and square. For Race 1, a 50-70 degree oscillation from the southwest made for a challenging beat and rewarded sailors who sailed with heads out of the boat.
By Race 2, a temporary lull and veer back left a few competitors slow off the line. It was during this race that a number of sailors misjudged the course, a combination of pressure drop, fleet compression, and unfamiliarity with the revised mark layout. The committee correctly allowed the race to stand, with the results ultimately decided by those who had been paying attention.
Races 3 and 4 saw a more established southerly fill in at around 14-16 knots, building to over 20 in the gusts. A slight port bias on the line in Race 3 encouraged aggressive starts, while Race 4's downwind legs delivered spectacular surfing conditions for the Lasers and 420. Once again, the course was subtly adjusted to keep the beat true in the shifting breeze, a credit to the Race Officer and their team.
In the double-handed fleet, Jacob Websdale and Winter Ilhan (420, Margate YC) demonstrated excellent teamwork and control in the stronger breeze. A highlight of the event was the Feva sailed by Echo Ilhan and Hettie Heap, whose confident performance stood out as a brilliant example of how double-handed sailing continues to support and encourage female participation.
The Regatta fleet, aimed at younger or less experienced sailors, saw Downs' cadets perform particularly well on home waters. Dylan Irons (Topper) and Rory Heatlie (Optimist) claimed first and second respectively, with Bella Rose and Isla Berry (Topaz Duo, Wilsonian SC) taking third after a well-sailed series. Unfortunately, a fast-approaching squall led to the final Regatta race being abandoned mid-race.
Despite the worsening weather, all sailors were recovered swiftly and safely by the club's experienced safety crews. A special mention for Pietro Cali (Topper), who was leading when the race was abandoned in the windier conditions.
Race Officer Simon Cory was kept on his toes, closely monitoring the ever-changing conditions and adjusting his plans in real time. He worked closely with Neale Farr and his mark-laying team, regularly advising them to reset the course to ensure racing remained fair and true. Meanwhile, Lead Safety Officer Duncan Robb and his team of RIB crews were kept busy as the southerly sea breeze strengthened. Thanks to their swift coordination, they successfully shepherded the fleet ashore just in time, before the arrival of thunder and a dramatic cloudburst. A fantastic effort all round.
Final Results - Main Fleet:
1st: Henry Moss - Laser Radial - Downs SC
2nd: Daniel Hebditch - Laser - Chipstead SC
3rd: Harry Thornburn - Laser Radial - Chipstead SC
Top Double-Hander: Jacob Websdale & Winter Ilhan - 420 - Margate YC
Final Results - Regatta Fleet:
1st: Dylan Irons - Topper - Downs SC
2nd: Rory Heatlie - Optimist - Downs SC
3rd: Bella Rose & Isla Berry - Topaz Duo - Wilsonian SC
Looking Ahead to NSSA 2026
This event also served as a valuable shakedown for Downs SC's upcoming hosting of the National School Sailing Association (NSSA) Regatta in 2026. Having last hosted the prestigious national event in 2014, the club is already laying the groundwork to welcome hundreds of young sailors from across the UK.
"This was more than just a regatta, it was a brilliant opportunity to test our race teams, facilities, and safety plans ahead of 2026," said Brian Mumford, Commodore. "It showcased everything that makes Downs SC a great racing venue, strong tides, open water, and a community of volunteers who give their all."
From competitive race management to a buzzing beach team and a warm welcome for all visitors, Downs once again demonstrated why it's considered one of Kent's premier youth sailing clubs, with a strong home fleet, active cadet programme, and a reputation for delivering high-quality racing on the open sea.
Downs Sailing Club has a proud and rich history of hosting the National Schools Sailing Association (NSSA) championships. The club has welcomed the prestigious event on four previous occasions, in 1981, 1992, 1999, and most recently in 2014, which saw an impressive 240 boats take to the water. Each of these events left a positive and lasting impact on the club's members, cadets, and the wider local community.
With preparations already well under way for 2026, the club is building on this legacy to deliver another unforgettable NSSA week, once again showcasing why Downs SC is considered one of the most welcoming and capable sailing clubs in Kent.