Thick fog and light winds forced race organisers to postpone racing on the first day of the RYA Youth Championships and Trials 2004 at Pwllheli, Wales yesterday.

After two days of measurement and practice in Cardigan Bay, competitors were itching to take to the water in the hope of earning a place in the RYA British Youth Squad, a coveted place in the British Sailing Team for the Volvo ISAF Youth World Championships and a share of RYA grant money to help fund international events.

From the 191 teams racing selectors must now wait until tomorrow, when a more favourable wind is forecast, to begin selecting just one boat from the 420, Hobie 16 and Mistral classes for the Volvo ISAF Youth World Championships in Poland.

As competitors wait for the wind to fill in over night, coaches are on hand to help the 300 children further their sailing careers. Adam Bowers, the 470 Olympic Coach said: “The big thing about having to hang around for the weather is to keep your mind active and relax, preventing apathy in the most important national youth event of the year.”

Race one is now scheduled for 11.25 this morning.