RS200 Open at Burghfield Sailing Club

RS200 & RS400 Open at Burghfield © Alex Irwin / www.sportography.tv

RS200 & RS400 Open at Burghfield © Alex Irwin / www.sportography.tv

With fair winds and sunshine forecast, 29 RS200s descended on Burghfield for their annual meeting. Unfortunately upon arrival, the sailors were greeted by a glassy looking lake and a short postponement, which after a very conclusive briefing from the race officer, built to 8 knots of breeze. Each race consisted of a windward/leeward course with gates at both ends.

A black flag was promptly introduced after one attempted start for the eager fleet, removing two boats from race one. Simon and Ally took an early lead in the extremely Burghfield-like conditions, with the remainder of the fleet competing closely from 2nd to last constantly throughout the race. Shifts of all sizes and angles kept every competitor on their toes, making it tricky to predict any moves on the course in advance, however this didn't prove a problem for Simon and Ally who held their lead to the finish. The final downwind meant a number of place changes across the rest, with a split fleet and those choosing the left-hand side, gaining by the finish.

For race two, our race officer decided to hide the windward gate behind an island, causing a split fleet on each side of the lake. Those choosing to test the right-hand side generally came out on top by the windward mark, with a group of six boats competing closely for the lead. By the leeward gate Simon and Ally had pulled themselves to the front, followed closely by the rest of the pack. Controversially for the second beat, Simon and Ally chose the less favourable left-hand side of the course, whilst most others stuck to the right. By the windward mark Matt and Emma had gained the lead, sailing up the beat in a steadier breeze, this lead continued to the finish and boosted them to the front of the lunchtime queue, followed closely by Simon and Ally, and George and Sophie.

RS200 & RS400 Open at Burghfield - photo © Alex Irwin / www.sportography.tv

A sterling effort by the kitchen ensured that all sailors and the race team were fed and watered ready for the afternoon races.

After lunch the breeze had built slightly to become more consistent across the course, however this didn't alter the 'shiftyness.' A port biased line that became starboard biased due to a late wind shift meant that many sailors were caught out at the pin end, seeming to come off of the line worse off. At the windward mark, Matt and Emma were leading from David and Sarah, Edd and Dawn, who battled closely during the race. By this time, the wind seemed to have filled in more to the right of the downwind, meaning this was the way to make the biggest gains. Matt and Emma held onto their lead to the finish with David and Sarah, Edd and Dawn following closely behind.

The final race was set to be a potential show down, Simon and Ally needing to win, in order to beat Matt and Emma. A shifty upwind meant that at some points both, either or neither sides of the course were favourable! The first six boats reached the gate almost together and split downwind, it appeared that anywhere other than the middle of the lake was the place to be whilst sailing to the leeward gate, as all six came in together at this point. After a game of snakes and ladders, Simon and Ally came out on top, followed by David and Claire, David and Sarah, Charlie and Eddie, then Matt and Emma.

RS200 & RS400 Open at Burghfield - photo © Alex Irwin / www.sportography.tv

Simon and Ally were presented with first place, followed by Matt and Emma in second and David and Sarah third. Thanks go to everyone at Burghfield who helped and supported with the running of this fantastic day of sailing!

Overall Results: