RS classes at Travemünder Woche - Update

Fabulous sunshine met the 230 RS sailors and their friends and families at Travemunder Woche. Several of the UK travellers had truly horrendous travelling tales, such as 18 hours to go 5 miles approaching Dover port. Our RS100 sailor from Australia had actually had a shorter travelling time than some! Hats off to the guys who showed real character and perseverance through such horrible journeys.

Once here, everyone relaxed into the 30 degree sunshine and the amazing festival that is Travemuender Woche. At the International party on Monday evening, National costumes, drinks and food were swapped and a representative for all 16 nationals gave a short speech. My favourite was the bath time tale from Sweden, the singing from the French, and Junior representing GBR and RS Sailing explained that as the event 'get you back on the water' guy - "If you Brexit, I fexit!"

Day 1 was abandoned due to no wind. Perhaps some of the exhausted travellers were pleased about this, giving them time to fully recover their equilibrium in the hot sunshine.

Day 2, and on course Foxtrott (RS200s, 400s and 500s), the racing started with true German efficiency bang on time. With around 7 knots and a lumpy sea, shift spotting and boat speed were all-important, leading to some snakes and ladders racing on the RS400 course. After 35 minutes of sailing, the wind packed up and the last few RS400s limped through the finish line. The RS200s and RS500s, having started the usual 5 and 10 minutes later, however, had their races abandoned.

The RS200s were 'whisked' across to the media course where, after a wait, they had 2 races in light wind. On Foxtrott, there was a long wait for a promised sea-breeze. During the wait, the RS500s disappeared to sail 2 races on the media course in the promised sea-breeze.

Alone now on Foxtrott, the R400's long wait was rewarded by a light sea breeze exactly when forecast.

Without the larger RS500 fleet to cater for, a shorter start line was set and, after 2 general recalls, the black flag was out. Clean away thereafter, the 400s got a further 2 good races in F2 wind, returning to shore an exhausting 8 hours after having left it.

Day 3, and the start was brought forward to an unsociable but sensible 1000hrs to make the most of the forecast wind. Again, a timely start in F2, which after 15 minutes into the RS400's race pipped up considerably, surprising some of us! A further 2 races in similar on and off and shifting wind kept everyone on their toes.

Steve Restall & Chris Stubbs continued to dominate the RS400s after 6 races, with a steady 2,3,2 on day 3, and 3 new race winners - Stewart & Sarah Robertson, Jon & Nicky Heissig and David & Rebecca Brown - changed the order considerably.

In the RS500s, Swedish Martin & Axel Johanssen put in a steady 2,2,4 keeping them at the top of the results after their two day 2 bullets. Italian Federico Maccari (out of the coach boat and into the dinghy) and Stefano Costini had a great day 3 with two first places.

In the RS200s, the domination of Josh Metcalf and Mille Alcock continued with a further 2 bullets, giving a clear 10 point lead over Jack Holden & Amy Yeoman.

Several sailors from all fleets gathered in the evening sunshine to watch the RS Aero River Racing in front of tall ship 'Passat'. A great spectacle, where the rules book appeared to have been thrown firmly out of the boats!

RS100 results so far [PDF]
RS200 results so far [PDF]
RS400 results so far [PDF]
RS500 results so far [PDF]