RS200 Open at Burghfield Sailing Club

On Saturday the 11th of October, 30 RS200s took to the water at Burghfield SC for the penultimate event of the South East Area Series (SEAS) and the only event in the calendar with rum-based prizes. Some say this is the pinnacle of the 200 calendar.

Initially the water was a little too shiny but after a quick postponement the wind filled in straight down the lake and continued to build throughout the day. The wizard race team of Rob and Nick Martin slickly turned around four races, using a windward gate to give the teams yet another tactical decision.

The battle for the trophy was a head to head between the current and immediate past national champions - Matt Mee and Emma Norris versus Ian Martin sailing with Ally Martin. The field behind was wide open.

Race 1 started with chaos on the line and a big left shift early on the first beat. Matt and Emma won the pin and never looked back. Nick and Juliet Charles held off challenges from James Williams and Sarah Tuppen, newcomers David Conlon and Sarah Bines and ex-locals Caroline and Jan Martin to take second. Ian and Ally recovered from the right to come in sixth.

In Race 2 Claire Walsh and Darren Macnamara risked the 'other' side of an island to lead round the windward mark from Emma and Justin Deal. Both were overhauled by Ian and Ally and Matt and Emma and much place changing ensued with Matt and Emma taking the honours on the line. Simon Potts and Ellie Sharps pulled through to third just ahead of Kevin Druce and Vanessa.

After a swift refreshment stop, Race 3 was sailed in more breeze, some of the lighter teams hiking hard and even deploying the occasional arm (you know who you are). Matt and Emma continued where they left off, again snatching the race and the event from Ian and Ally on the last run. Behind them David and Sarah held off a rapid David and Emily Giles.

In the final race Simon and Ellie led but couldn't hold off Ian and Ally for the full four laps. David and Emily put in another solid performance just pipping Neil Barrett and Sophie Jones.

After sailing the fleet enjoyed afternoon tea and cakes kindly baked by the home sailors.

In the end Matt and Emma won from Ian and Ally with Simon and Ellie in third. Kevin Druce sailing with Vanessa / Issy sailed brilliantly, but were pipped by (soon to be promoted newcomers) David Conlon and Sarah Bines to first in the Silver fleet with Sophie and Ralph Singleton first in Bronze.

The SEAS grand finale and prize giving is at Wembley SC on 26 October 2014. With four events to count have Nick and Jules got it sown up?

Please see www.sportography.tv for photos.

Overall Results: