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12:49 Wednesday 10 Aug 2016 Sue Pelling/AAMCWYoung sailors embrace Youth Day at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week

The White triplets aboard Kestrel the Squib, From left: Charlie, Tom and Harry – photo White

Youth Day at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week is always popular but the fact that there are two significant trophies up for grabs (Under 25 Trophy – supported by MUSTO, and the Young Skipper’s Trophy) for the overall winners at the end of the week, makes competition even more intense.

The competition in the MUSTO-sponsored Under 25 Trophy is set to increase further with news that the German flagged team of Gordon Nickel, Morten Nickel, Nils Färber, Nick Schlomka sailing Just in Time (J/70), only sailed the first four days. They had an impressive lead of over 18pts from previous winner Jack Davies also in a J/70 – Yeti.

Now, however, Davies and team who finished second overall last year, are likely, depending on today’s results to take the top spot in a brand-new 2016-built boat. They also won the Under 25 Trophy in 2014, and were the overall winner of the MUSTO-sponsored ‘Pimp my Ride’ competition prior to this regatta,

Another team to watch out for however, is George Jorgensen and the British Army's U25 Team in British Army, (J/111).

Joe Butterworth, who is sailing with teammates Sam Flint and Olly Love are currently leading the 42-strong fleet The Young Skippers’ Trophy, awarded to the skipper with the best overall result who is under 25. This super-fast trio is sailing a 1979-built Impala 28 – Two Frank.

One team of youngsters keen to improve on last year when they made their regatta debut, are the White triplets in Kestrel the Squib. The 16 year-old White identical triplets – Charlie, Tom and Harry – from Royal Victoria Yacht Club, are competing for their second year as a team. Despite their lack of time together in the boat; just 14 days in total after this regatta, they are doing well. In the highly competitive 32-strong Squib fleet they are lying a respectable 13^th overall at the halfway stage of the regatta.

Charlie, who says he’s the eldest because he was born first, commented:  “Our aim is to finish in the top 15 every race and we are doing well so far. We were so pleased with our 8^th on the second day.

“Having Youth Day gives a real incentive to do well. We are just so keen to do well today. I really hope that more youngsters can see that it is possible for a young team like ours can sail a 11 year old boat and still be competitive. The Squib, of course, is one of the best boats for youngsters because although they are easy to sail, to sail them well takes a lot of skill so you are constantly learning. My message to young sailors who want to compete at Cowes, is to get hold of second-hand Squib and sign up next year.”