OceanFest Legacy Elite Event 17th June 2012
Hayle’s Nippers along with local friends and rivals Portreath & St Ives were the three Cornish clubs invited to take part in this competition at Croyde Bay in North Devon.
Teams were made up of 24 nippers in age categories from 10-13 yrs to ensure competition on a level footing. Other teams from Clubs in Devon and Wales made up the competition entry.
The weather on the day was reasonable and after a long car journey the Hayle team arrived at Croyde with the start time pushed back following the stormy conditions of the previous two days.
Races took place in board, swim, relays and beach events and at the end of the day a magnificent team performance saw Hayle finish in 4th place just ahead (1 point) of St Ives and just behind (2 points) Saunton Sands. Woolacombe SLSC were the worthy overall winners.
There were some excellent individual performances in particular on the beach from Ben Friday & Alistair Pearson as they finished as top 2 in the boys 10/11 flags. A special mention also for 8 year old Alanis Treloar who bravely stepped in to make up the 10/11 girls team on the day and Mia Rule who took part up an age group both doing fantastically.
At the end of the day a Golden Nipper competition was held in each age group with Morva Hughes finishing in 1st place in the 12/13 girls race and Niamh Symons 3rd in the girls 10/11 race.
Team Manager Traci Parker said ‘We are so proud of all the nippers that took part all scoring vital points and competing wholeheartedly in challenging conditions.’
The competitors were grateful for the support and help of the Nipper Officers and their parents and particularly thankful to the St Ives and Hayle members who provided the water safety cover.
All participants were presented with an event t-shirt by the organisers of an enjoyable event.
