RS Sailing RS200 Northern Series at Budworth Sailing Club

The final event of the RS Sailing sponsored Northern Series took place at Budworth on Saturday, 8th October. The forecast promised a Force 3 ENE, however the reality was a Force 0-1 with occasional Force 1-2 drafts for the first three races, with a proper Force 2 for race 4, which gradually faded to almost nothing by the end of the race.

The year's form book was turned upside down with neither Ollie Groves and Tom Parkhurst nor Martin and Sian Joesbury, the two leading boats on the Northern Tour this year, managing to master the conditions.

Race 1 saw a breakaway group of four boats steadily increase their separation from the rest of the fleet throughout the race. Graeme and Izzi Bristow take the lead on the first beat and held on to take the win from Russell and Vicky Page in second and Tony Taylor and Debbie Sutcliffe in third. Colin Rawlinson sailing with his 8 year old son, Max, claimed fourth place.

Race 2 again saw Graeme and Izzi take the lead early in the race and in spite of the vagaries of the wind remained in front to take the win. Martin and Barbara Smith claimed second with Alastair and Henry Scott taking third place and Tony and Debbie in fourth.

Race 3 saw a different boat dominate. Tony and Debbie looked to be well and truly back in the pack half way up the first beat, but backed themselves by being the most right boat of the fleet. They were rewarded with the wind filling in from the right, which enabled them to sail into a clear lead that they never relinquished. Graeme and Izzi showed their consistency in the difficult conditions to take second, which was enough for them to take a well deserved event win. Martin and Barbara took third with Alastair and Henry showing taking fourth.

The final race took place in a force 2 to the relief of all the competitors. The race proved to be a bit of a Budworth benefit with home boats taking the first three places. Tony and Debbie took the win from Russell and Vicky in second and Martin and Sian in third. Colin and Max were the best visitors in fourth.

The winners of the Ropes4boats raffle voucher were Louise McKeand/Wendy Martin (£20) and Ollie Groves/Tom Parkhurst (£10).

The Northern Tour would like to thank RS Sailing for their series support and Ropes4boats for their raffle prizes.

Overall Results: