Gill RS400 Eurocup at Fraglia Vela Riva - Runners and Riders
by Heather Chipperfield 23 Jul 2014 12:18 BST
28 July - August 2014
Looking like a very hot fleet this year – 45 boats which is a record for the RS400s. Joining 85 RS100s, RS200s and RS800s at the Gill Europeans at ever-popular Fraglia vela Riva, it's going to be exciting both on and off the water.
Jim Downer and Jon Price – event winners in 2012 – has since had a bit of time out of the class but rumoured to be out every night practising in the Solent.
Stewart and Sarah Robertson – current National Champions and 2nd to Jim Downer in 2012. Makes noises about "too old for all this hiking lark" but hugely experienced even if a tad on the grumpy side.
Josh and Patrick Metcalfe – new kids on the block - currently leading the Championship Tour. Only team to have beaten Nick Craig in recent memory.
Paul And Mark Oakey – father and son team very fast and consistent. Winners of recent Southern Champs, proof that they are not just light wind maestros
Rog Carter and Einstein – "the Wormit boys". Current Irish National Champs and light wind specialists extraordinaire. Have sailed Mirrors together since they were 3. Annoying young and hence able to drink beer and still perform the next day.
Howard Farbrother and Desperate Dan - Runners up in 2013 Nationals, and has a very pink kite and an extremely tall crew.
Jon Gorringe – veteran 400 lad back in the class after a few years sabbatical. Always a force to be reckoned with and a very close 2nd to Nick Craig at last year's Merlin Nationals, ahead of 400 legends Gilbert and Stewart.
Keith Bedborough and Richard Brown – 2 crews in a boat and sometime outsiders, albeit armed with a new boat and a large entourage of small kids and wives to help pull it up the slip.
Ben and Hannah Robertson – proof that the Robertson sailing dynasty lives on. Beat dad in the recent Northern champs – another annoying young and hence socially durable team.
David Brown and Rebecca Witt – back in the class after a long break. Likes it windy and definitely a lad to avoid in the Oca Bar, who are eagerly awaiting his return.
So nothing is set in stone....
Other news hot off the press: James Downer is carrying out a training afternoon on the Sunday before racing for 14 Garda-virgins in the RS400 fleet. James has also been lucky enough to win the Volvo to use for this event. As part of the sponsorship deal with Volvo, his car will be delivered and collected from his choice of address, complete with a tow bar and full tank of fuel, to help transport him and his boat to Garda in comfort and style!