Kids zap laser bugs at the lake

Over 40 children enjoyed a Laser Bug Day at Hollingworth Lake

Over 40 children took to the water at Hollingworth Lake for an exciting Laser Bug Day.

Groups of youngsters met from various local clubs, including Hollingworth Lake SC, the Hollingworth Lake Water Activity Centre, Burwain SC, Salford Junior SC, Glossop SC, and Astbury Sailsports - many of which tried out racing for the first time.

The event was sponsored by Laser Performance, who brought along a big fleet of 30 Laser Bug dinghies for the kids to race. The youngsters ranged from age 7 up to 17.

Organiser for the RYA, Adam McGovern, gave them a mix of games and race training in the morning, then three short races in the afternoon

The youngsters were racing in three groups in the afternoon, a Bug Race group, a Bug Standard group, and a Mirror (another type of boat) racing group.

Adam McGovern said: “The kids got to choose which group they wanted to be part of in the afternoon, and this went down fantastically with the kids, who were eager to show what they could do.”

Winners were Anna Bett, 12, in the Bug Race group, Rob Kinsella and Max Webb in the Mirror group, and local Will Smith, 9, in the Bug Standard group.

Adam McGovern said, “It was fantastic to see so many youngsters out racing on the water. Will was really happy to win his first sailing event, and wished his Dad similar luck the following day at a big sailing open meeting.”

For more information about how to get involved in sailing visit the RYA’s website www.rya.org.uk or the OnBoard website www.ruob.co.uk