Proud Performances from Hicklings Young Sailors

Published 05:21 on 12 Sep 2026

Hickling Broad Sailing Clubs young team did the club proud at Saturdays Broadland Youth Regatta, which was hosted by the Norfolk Punt Club at Barton Broad. The event was also honoured by the attendance of Princess Anne.

Although Hickling finished eighth overall, the final results tell only a small part of the story. For many of our sailors, this was their first ever regatta, and several have only been sailing for a relatively short time. Simply taking their place on the start line alongside young sailors from across the Broads was an achievement in itself.

Conditions on Saturday were testing even for experienced sailors, making the determination shown by our less experienced competitors all the more impressive. They kept going, supported one another and gained valuable experience of racing in challenging conditions. Every race completed and every difficult moment overcome will make them stronger and more confident sailors.

More important than any finishing position, however, was the way in which the team represented Hickling. It would be difficult to find a more pleasant, polite, resilient and supportive group of young people. We could not have been prouder of them.

The Broadland Youth Regatta is a wonderful opportunity for young sailors to experience competitive sailing as part of a team, and Saturday demonstrated just how far our juniors have progressed. Hopefully, this will be the first of many regattas for some of our rookies.

A huge thank you must also go to everyone who helped make the day possible: those involved in coaching and preparing our sailors, the parents and supporters who travelled with the team, and everyone involved in transporting boats and equipment. As ever, these events depend upon a considerable amount of work behind the scenes.

Next years Broadland Youth Regatta will be hosted by Waveney and Oulton Broad Sailing Club, while it is looking increasingly likely that Hickling will have the honour of hosting in 2028.

Well done to every member of Team Hickling. Eighth in the results, perhaps but first class in attitude, determination and team spirit.

We are enormously proud of you all.

Last updated 05:22 on 12 September 2026