RS Aero Magic Marine UK National Championships at the WPNSA - Day 1

RS Aero Nationals at the WPNSA day 1 © Frances Peters

Yesterday, 35 RS Aeros took to the water to make their final preparations for the first ever Magic Marine RS Aero National Championships. Several short sprint races with coaches on hand to offer words of advice set the bar high as sailors enjoyed 15 knots and bright sunshine in Portland Harbour. Once the final tweaks to the boats had been made, much of the fleet gathered to enjoy the wonderful sunset (and equally wonderful beers) at the local pub on the water's edge.

This morning brought more sunshine and spirits were high in the boat park. Many competitors could be found wondering the boat park, assessing their competition and discussing whether or not they too should be polishing their boat! Others occupied the balcony, soaking up the atmosphere – coffee and bacon bap in hand. There was only one thing missing... wind! With 4 races scheduled, it was set to be a challenging day.

A light breeze died to nothing as boats launched and a wait on the water ensued. The race committee persisted, and after a couple of attempts, race 1 got underway. The first race of the day saw all 74 boats on the same start line, competing in a handicap race using the PY system. The race made history as the biggest ever RS Aero start line to date, breaking the current record by 30 boats. In all the excitement and with the inevitable battle to claim a clear lane off the start line, several sailors began their series with a black flag. After his recent World Championship win in the RS500 class and dubbed one of the favourites for the week, Peter Barton in the 7 rig was forced to count a BFD for his first race. While some struggled to fight back from a bad start in such a large fleet, others thrived under the pressure. Henry Jameson was among those in his element. Accustomed to leading the way in large fleets with a background of RS Feva and RS Tera sailing, he took the gun for the RS Aero 5 fleet. Current I14 World Champion, Glen Truswell, led the charge in the 7 fleet, while Luke Deegan of Antigua Sailing Club was first across the line in the 9 fleet.

RS Aero Nationals at the WPNSA day 1 - photo © Frances Peters

Now with a more established and stable 10 knot breeze, race 2 got underway. This time the 3 fleets were given their own starts, changing the strategy for some and offering a new opportunity at the front. Will Taylor of Brightlingsea Sailing Club took the win in the 5 fleet, while Matthew Caiger slotted in a 2nd place. In the 7 fleet, Peter Barton came back fighting with a 2nd place, snapping at the heels of Glen Truswell, who posted his second bullet of the day. David Rickard took the lead in the 9 rigs ahead of previous race winner, Luke Deegan.

The final race saw the wind drop again and so began a light and tactical race as sailors remained in the individual fleets. Henry Jameson reverted to form, posting another bullet to leave him topping the leader board overnight. Peter Barton went from strength to strength and won the final race of the day, leaving him 2nd and snapping at Truswell's heels overnight in the 7 fleet. David Ellis of Lymington Town Sailing Club posted a 2nd place in the final race for the 7 rigs, putting him 3rd overnight. Ben Rolfe of Burghfield Sailing Club took his turn to lead the way for the final race of the day in the 9 fleet, leaving him in 2nd place overnight behind Deegan.

Boats returned to shore to resume racing in the morning and there's more breeze forecast. It's all to play for with 5 races scheduled and plans to race in the bay.

Results after Day 1:

For more info on the RS Aero Class visit the website, www.rsaerosailing.org or the facebook group, www.facebook.com/groups/rsaeroclass.