RS300 Rooster National Tour Round 1 at Whitefriars Sailing Club

RS300 Rooster National Tour at Whitefriars © Dave Whittle

Friday 7th May we all sat watching the weather forecast thinking must be mad. But we all set off on Saturday morning, driving through torrential rain to arrive at the friendly Whitefriars Sailing Club. We were given a warm greeting and briefing for the eight boats. A trapezoid course was set and the plan for 20 minute back to back racing.

Race one: Despite being the last person to arrive at Whitefriars Sam Davy comfortably made the start line on time. The same couldn't be said for others. Matt Pedlow led at the first mark, followed by Phil Underwood, Sam Davy, then Tom Moore all close behind. Things stayed this way for the first lap until on lap two Phil forgot the course and headed to the wrong mark. Sam pointed out the error in his heading once the pass was complete. Everyone stayed in them positions until the end.

Race two: What can be said of the start by Peter Mackin? He showed how to write the book on a port-end flyer. Despite everyone at the Starboard end of the committee boat claiming he must be way over Peter crossed the whole fleet on Port tack and led the first lap. There were a few jostling of positions through the race but Peter held on to lead with Matt 2nd and Sam 3rd.

Race three: With the weather getting very let's say fruity by this time gusts and shifts kept everyone agile and plenty of charity swims were attempted. All eight boats were still on the water, some not the right way up, but everyone was still trying. This was great to see. At the start once again Peter lined up for the Port end flyer, however this time keen eyes were watching him and cut him off before he could pull off the same result. Sam led at the first mark but couldn't hold it at the gybe mark and a after big swim watched the fleet go by. Matt took the lead, Peter 2nd and Phil 3rd.

Race four: A change of course to a triangle gave two great reaches from the windward mark as the wind was building. Matt led from start with Sam 2nd and Peter 3rd. Peter took a pass at the first gybe mark and went on to challenge Matt, while Sam and Phil also kept things close.

Everyone was very pleased when the OOD announced to head in after crossing the finishing line. The final results were Matt Pedlow 1st, Peter Mackin 2nd, and Sam Davy 3rd. Phil Underwood took the Mid-fleet prize coming 4th. Tom Moore in 6th won the Endeavour prize for completing every race. Free beer and pizza was put on for the sailors by Whitefriars SC. Keeping Covid compliant this was done outside but don't worry the RS300 sailors did not give the several helping of pizza the chance to get cold. It was a great event and everyone was pleased they had made the journey.

Big thanks to Whitefriars for an excellent event hosted with plenty of rescue cover who were kept very busy. Thank you Rooster for sponsoring our National Tour.

See you all at Pennine SC for the Inlands 29-30 May 21. RS300 Rooster National Tour event number two Info here: https://www.rs300.org/index.asp?Fleet=RS300&selection=Events&uid=2101&detailevent=1

RS Class Association limited edition UV neck sleeve on sale now. Selling like hot cakes. Grab yours before it's too late from the RS300 shop here.

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