RS Aero UK Inland Championships at Draycote Water Sailing Club

Sixty RS Aeros enjoyed good close racing in medium breezes for the 2022 RS Aero UK Inland Championships at Draycote.

The movers and shakers of the weekend were those who could start consistently well, recognise the lifts and headers and latch onto the narrow gust lines downwind. The larger rigs or smaller sailors were able to step the light weigh RS Aero up onto the plane on the runs when you caught them well, providing amble opportunity to gain back distance lost if overpowered upwind. Seven good races were held with efficient turn-arounds and with 3 lap courses there was always opportunity though the races.

In the RS Aero 5s Tom Ahlheid (Frensham Pond SC) took a convincing win and was also top Youth after a dominant Saturday. 2nd was Harrison Pye (Draycote Water SC) and 3rd Sam Blaker (Thorpe Bay YC). Alice Lucy (Rutland SC) finished top female in 5th.

RS Aero UK Inlands at Draycote Water - photo © Paul Williamson

The RS Aero 6s perhaps had the closest racing within the front group, often appearing locked together and they raced around the course. Chris Rust (Portsmouth SC) took the win followed by top Youth Luca Mitchell (Paignton SC) in 2nd and Dan Bullock (Paignton SC) in 3rd. Cathy Lunn (Leigh and Lowton SC) finished top female in 5th.

The RS Aero 7s had the largest fleet and consistency proved key with Craig Williamson (Staunton Harold SC) winning with a string of five 2nds without winning a race. New RS Aero sailor Joe Scurrah (Carsington SC) is straight up to speed to take 2nd and Noah Rees (RS Sailing) took 3rd. Peter Matthews (Lancing SC) finished top Master, Lucy Haydon (Bowmoor SC) top female and Elliot Toms (Fowey Gallants SC) top Youth.

RS Aero UK Inlands at Draycote Water - photo © Paul Williamson

RS Aero 9s revelled on the gusty runs with opportunity to really dance downwind, weaving to best engage the pulsating breeze. It was close for the overall win with Peter Barton (Lymington Town SC) taking one more win than Chris Larr (Draycote Water SC) for the title and another new RS Aero convert Chris Brown (Draycote Water SC) took 3rd. David Cherrill (Broadwater SC) was first Master in 6th.

Of course its not just about catching shifts and planing fast - you also have to look your best! The best presented RS Aero sailor award went to Sian Clark (Draycote Water SC) whose lilac sailing kit looked absolutely fantastic alongside the purple colour flash of her RS Aero 6 rig!

RS Aero UK Inlands at Draycote Water - photo © Paul Williamson

Thank you to Draycote Water SC for being excellent hosts together with the expertise provided by their staff and volunteers to put on another fantastic weekend. Thanks to Rooster and Noble Marine for their support with a splendid awards spread.

Next up for the UK RS Aeros is the RS Aero UK End of Seasons at the annual Bowmoor Bubble RS Aero Open on Saturday 26th November. Find the RS Aero UK Events List here.

Overall Results: