Day 1 - RS200 Nationals

The enormous 160 boat fleet that have descended on WPNSA to take part in the RS200 Nationals

Sponsored by TridentUK, were treated to a sunny day and some rather light airs racing. With the forecast predicting only 4 knots of breeze, the fleet were sent to the other side of the world (otherwise known as the far side of Weymouth bay) and following a long sail were rewarded with two races in an increasing breeze, with both helms and crews hiking by the end.

Race one saw a rather eager pathfinder start a minute early and then on the restart a rather eager fleet cause a pile up, but at the third attempt everyone got away on the gate start. The wind speed and direction was fluctuating across the race course giving it the appearance of a game of snakes and ladders, but Robbie Burns & Vicki Simpson proved to be the superior sailing family by edging out Ian & Chris Martin for the win, with past nationals winners Lee Sydenham & Jane Gilbert in third.

Race two started with a better breeze than the first, allowing the boat to be fully powered up for the first time in the day. Those starting late out of the gate and going right came out smelling of roses and it was the UK’s second best Cherub sailors Andy and Jill Peters who led for the first lap. However, Broadstairs’ finest Tim Ellis/Lucy Preston stormed past and pulled away for the win. The Peters had to settle for third in the end as Stu Bithel/Kate McGregor nicked in at the final mark to steal third.

With such a huge fleet in such light winds, there are plenty of protests to be heard.

Forecast for tomorrow is more breeze and gallons of rain, which should be fun...
 

22/8/2011 19:04