RS800 Eurocup at Yacht Club de Carnac

The Carnac RS800 Eurocup podium; 1st - Ben McGrane & Olivier Vidal, 2nd - John Pink & Jonny Clegg 3rd - Spod & Katy Olive & Guy Fillmore © Pete Barton

The Carnac RS800 Eurocup Silver fleet podium; 1st - Ed Whitehead & Karen Baker, 2nd - Russ Gibbs & Megan Fileman, 3rd - Derek & Elaine Buchanon © Pete Barton

130 boats from 5 of the RS stables enjoyed warm weather, no rain and a thorough mix of conditions to provide close and varied racing. With 38 boats from 4 nations, the RS800 fleet was once again the largest at the Eurocup and competition was hotter than ever with both several new additions to the fleet and class regulars working steadily to up their game over the past few seasons.

Ultimately current National Champions Ben McGrane & Olivier Vidal ‘Selden’ stole the show with their ability to perform across the wind range, keeping all their counters within the top 3. “The racing has been great with anyone in the top half of the fleet fast enough to win a race”, said Ben.

John Pink & Jonny Clegg ‘Synthesize’ joined the class for this event and took 2nd. Pinky had hot footed it to western France straight from winning the Silver Medal at the 49er worlds a week earlier. They often provided a fresh take on technique and fast modes of sailing, demonstrating an ability to work through to the front of the fleet with both speed and racing skills. With 5 current and ex 49er teams in the fleet every place was hard fought on the windy days. “We’ve really enjoyed our chance to race RS800s again. When the breeze gets up to 25 knots everyone can continue to race hard, whereas in the 49er teams would start to back off for safety. Hopefully we will return to race the Eurocup at Riva Garda next year which is an ideal racecourse for the class”, said Pinky.

Alan Olive & Guy Fillmore ‘Harken’ proved their ability across the wind ranges to take a solid 3rd, convincingly rounding out the podium. “Carnac has been great, good breeze, nice bay and a bustling little town, hopefully we will return soon,” Spod enthused.

The 5 way final day showdown for 4th went to famed light wind sniggler Justin Deal & Ollie Page who sniffed out the breeze in the last race to become the 5th boat to win a race. “Even better than Garda!” yelled Ollie pre start on day one when greeted by 20knots, blue skies and waves. Tom Halhead & Christian Humphrey had a solid last race to take 5th overall.

Ed Whitehead & Karen Baker took the Silver fleet showing great heavy air speed to knock in 2 top tenners on windy Wednesday. Hot on their heels where Russ Gibbs & Megan Fileman of Starcross.

Top Chick accolade went to Roz Allen ‘Marlow’ in 7th, but with fast improving young pairing of Tim Saxton & Nicola Groves ‘Zhik’ in 8th competition for the Golden Girl slot is only going to get tougher. Tim & Nicola are a very light pairing but, partly due to the RS800s weight equalization system, they are actually at their most potent upwind in a breeze currently.

Next year the fleet returns to Garda for its bi-annual pilgrimage. The cliffs of Garda were created with the RS800 in mind as it can be raced hard in 25 knots providing an attainable adrenalin filled racing challenge across the whole fleet. With the 67 boats from last year all promising to return and McGrane & Pink keen to have another crack at Europe’s ultimate speed track it is sure to be a biggie. Start practicing now!

Next up is the Nationals warm up at Torquay on 15-16th August, followed by the National Champs 29-1st at one of the UKs top championship venues, Tenby, South Wales. The four days over the bank holiday weekend format only requires one day off work, early entry discount ends this week. Borrow yourself a boat and join the fun!

Overall Results: