The Queensland Youth State Championships have wrapped up for another year with plenty of young skippers sent home winners. 

The coaches met, the boats were rigged, the wind filled in, the Race Committee headed by award winning National Race Officer Paul Effeney and judges finalised their plans and the volunteers were set to go. Welcome to the 2019 Queensland Youth Championships and Coaching Clinic!

Over 140 junior and youth sailors participated in 6 fantastic days of sailing fun at the Keppel Bay Sailing Club. 

The week started with an interesting hiccup resulting in a move 2km up the beach to move away from a sewage spill.  As with most sailing events, everyone pitched in getting the boats and all the gear up the beach and it was great to see the kids get on the water for the afternoon session on day 1.   

The 3 day training camp run by some of Australia’s top coaches included professional development sessions for all the support coaches. Not only are these development camps great for the participants but great for the development of Queensland up and coming Coaches. 

Australian Sailing’s Glen Stanaway noted “I'm reminded of the importance of coaching to the success of sailing as a sport, not just the personal success of the participant. The coaches at the Keppel Bay Sailing Club this week for the 2019 QLD Youth Camp are doing a cracking job”.

The kids worked just as hard both on and off the water. Fitness sessions started early every day and were not compulsory, but not many missed out on the opportunity! The young sailors honed their skills before the championship racing started on Thursday afternoon. 

The largest Green Fleet in Australia had be best time with lots of racing, lots of support and loads of fun! One Queensland primary school sent their own team of tackers sailors and absolutely loved the experience.  Once you have been to Yeppoon for Youth Camp and Champs you will be hooked on sailing forever.

The racing for the juniors and youth was competitive and produced some close results in a mixed bag of conditions.  But as always we are reminded that these events produce great friendships and stories that will last a lifetime long after the results are forgotten.  

Thanks Coaches, Families, Volunteers, Keppel Bay Sailing Club Staff and all our sailors for an incredible week at the Queensland Youth Championships! Thank you all for making Keppel Bay Sailing Club, your club. See you all next year.
 

Full results can be found at: https://www.sailingyouth.org.au/qld-state-champs/qld-results/