RS Open at Notts County Sailing Club
The RS 400 and RS600 Open at Notts County was well attended and provided some great close racing and good conditions. After the recent warm weather the conditions changed into a cool northerly, but this meant the wind was steady and stronger than forecast, whilst adding a few spills it gave some great sailing. Nineteen RS400 and nine RS 600’s took part in the Open.
Race officer Rebecca Ogden set a 600 course with some broad reaches, and beat and a 400 course with direct downwind leg and beat.
Saturday racing saw a slight ten minute delay as the wind shifted, but both fleets started promptly. After a short lunch break the racing resumed and in total there were 5 races on Saturday. The racing couldn’t have been much closer. In the 400s Hamish Gledhill and Richard Brown (West Rising/ Carsington), with Alaister Rimmer and Olle Brown (Bassenthwaite were on level points with several firsts seconds and thirds, and Dave Exley and dee Osmond (Leigh and Lowton) just 2 points behind. The first Notts County sailors John Tailby and Raife Piggott were 6th. So it was very much all to play for on Sunday when 3 races were scheduled.
In the RS600 fleet Jake Willars had a one point lead after 5 races, just ahead of Jamie Mawson, both from Notts County, both trading first and seconds. Mathew Potter (Notts County) was in third. Jake prevailed to win the event by winning the final race giving him a 2 point lead over Jamie, Mathew finished third.
Sunday was slightly lighter winds but still some good gusts….
The RS 400s were still highly competitive with places being traded in the top of the fleet during the three races. The RS 600s were similar with the top of the fleet swapping regularly.
Sunday saw Hamish & Richard with a third and second to count, giving them a win, with Dave Exley managed two firsts to pull him up to second both on 8 points, Alaister Rimmer was third just one point behind. <Meanwhile from the home club, John Tailby came in sixth.
Results (400s will publish Wednesday) photo of sheet to right
RS600 results
