RS Aeros at the Lymington Dinghy Regatta

Nick Ealesd during the Lymington Dinghy Regatta © RS Aero UK Class Association

Paul Bartlett, Team Daikin, during the Lymington Dinghy Regatta © RS Aero UK Class Association

Thirty RS Aeros signed up for the popular Lymington Dinghy Regatta run jointly by Lymington Clubs, the Royal and the Town. 26 ultimately took to the water in their RS Aeros.

The numbers came from the large local fleet now topping thirty, visitors after a coastal regatta and keen campaigners looking for some last minute training for next week's 96 boat RS Aero World Championships in Carnac, France. With 130 boats in total it was all hands on deck for the clubs' volunteers who had it all covered with well-practiced efficiency and a smile!

On the course a thermal breeze had built well above the forecast with Race 1 becoming increasingly challenging as the tide changed and the breeze built. A few capsizes tested the fleet – but with some exciting rides downwind to make it worthwhile. With the tide starting to turn against the increasing breeze the race officer made the decision to bin it for the day before 'fresh' became 'fruity'.

Sunday saw less breeze, but still plenty, with legs stretched and planing possible on the square course. Again the tide was set downwind, providing those after some training plenty of practice for their hiking muscles! Peter Barton (Lymington Town) led the first and with two wins was taking control. But then Paul Bartlett (Starcross) started his charge and with two good starts took the next two races and the title on tiebreak! It all came down to the final beat with Paul and Peter in their RS Aero 7s fully even exiting the leeward mark. Paul eventually lee bowed as they headed towards the shoreline and pulled ahead as Peter tacked away.

Greg Bartlett (Starcross) took 3rd overall racing an RS Aero 9. He was tested to the limits in Saturday's boisterous conditions. Whatever the conditions at Carnac next week there is an RS Aero 9 title to be won and if it gets exiting Greg is now be well prepared!

UK Chairman Nigel Rolfe (Burghfield) made a Sunday comeback to 4th overall. 1st Youth was Noah Rees (Torpoint Mosquito, Plymouth) and 1st Lady was Caitlin Atkin (Whitstable), all getting revved up for the Worlds!

Many thanks to the two Lymington Clubs for pulling out all the stops to deliver a top-notch summer regatta. It was great to see so many new faces in the RS Aero fleet over the weekend and friends in other classes too.

Overall Results: