Largest entry so far for RS Elite Nationals in Lymington
by Martin Wadhams 14 Jul 2010 12:28 BST
22-25 July 2010
With just under two weeks to go entries stand at thirty two boats making this the biggest event so far for the RS Elite Class. Hosted by the Royal Lymington Yacht Club and sponsored by property development company Solent Projects, the courses will be set in the excellent racing waters of Christchurch Bay.
Competitors will travel from around the UK including Northern Ireland and Scotland, whose Shaun McClean will be out to defend his runaway 2009 victory. McClean also won the strong Elite class at the Scottish Series Regatta this spring, but he was down the pan in fourth a few weeks ago at the Irish Nationals proving to the other teams that he is beatable right now. Winner of that event, John Patterson, will be competing at the Nationals and that result has raised his heckles.
2008 Champions, the Brown family, from Burnham have been training hard for their summer campaign which includes both the Nationals and Cowes Week, where they were squeezed out of the top slot on the last day in 2009. Newcomers Paul Jenkins and his team have strong experience from many other classes and will undoubtedly put a consistent series together.
Meanwhile the top two boats from the Royal Lymington Yacht Club’s home fleet could also be in the frame. Crauford McKeon and his team have put a significant effort into their boat preparation and training and there is no doubt they can be quick – but sometimes erratic. RS’s own Martin Wadhams will be keen to improve on last year’s result following black flag and OCS hiccups.
“The scene is set for a great event” says Peter Lister, home fleet captain. “Our sailors and the Royal Lymington have pulled out the stops to make this Championship memorable. The fleet will be berthed on the pontoon in front of the clubhouse, giving a seamless transition between sailing and the bar – which I gather is particularly dangerous for the Irish.” The busy social programme includes a posh fish ’n chips night and a restaurant-with-a-view, a hog roast by the pool at the picturesque New Forest home of one of the Lymington sailors and a smart Championship Dinner at the club on the final night.
The Solent Project RS Elite Nationals runs from 22 – 25th July and will, undoubtedly, mark another significant step in the development of this exciting class.