2000 Class Open at Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club

Navy women dominate

With a very blustery forecast, it was an intrepid few 2000s that made the journey to Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club for the 2000 and RS200 combined open. With 25-30 knots forecast later in the afternoon, Arcky and his crack race team moved to get as many races in as possible before it arrived.

With a clean start from the RS200s (they must have known we were watching) the 2000s made the most of the generous line and charged off after them. Those that took a moment at the top of the course appreciated the explosion of colour as the RS's hoisted their kites, followed by the star-burst effect as they headed downwind...rapidly. Thankfully with good co-operation between the fleets the cross was uneventful and the 2000s hoisted kites for their own downwind drag race. Natalie Roach and Alex Pickles began to show their class, pulling a sizeable gap which they extended over the race.

Behind them, second place came to a tight finish with Chris and Lizzie missing out to Ady and Steve with visitors Chris Brann and Ian Botterill slotting in between them. Special mention to Ellie Hill (fresh from South West Feva training the week before) and Nigel Kent for finishing only a little behind (Fleet) Capt Steve and Jan in their first ever event. For race two the wind arrived, making each upwind leg a mini marathon as we picked our way between upturned RS200s. Ady and Steve made the most of it, doing their best to chase the impervious Natalie and Alex while the light weight pairing of Chris and Lizzie suffered, finishing 4th but no longer in a fit state to continue racing.

Races 3 and 4 went in a similar fashion with ultimate bragging rights going to Natalie and Alex for lapping faster than the event winning RS200. Something we mentioned (once or twice) when the fleets met up over dinner, a beer and some good natured banter. With prize giving completed some very tired sailors made their way home, ready to be bright eyed and bushy tailed for racing at their own clubs Sunday morning. No? Don't blame you - I didn't either. Many thanks to Arcky's race team and the RS200 fleet for being such good sports and Capt Steve for organising the event- when's the next one? Answer – the Inland Championships 2016!

Overall Results: