Crewsaver RS800 European Championships at Yacht Club de Carnac

Crewsaver RS Eurocup at Carnac © Pascal Maheo / Magic Foto

Crewsaver RS Eurocup at Carnac © Pascal Maheo / Magic Foto

The sun came out and the wind blew for the first day of the Crewsaver RS800 European Championships in Carnac, France. The northerly winds blowing off the land were warm and gusty, making for exciting racing and perhaps a bit more swimming for some competitors than desirable.

In the first race sadly one of the favourites, Dave Hivey and Rob Partridge, had to pull out of the regatta when Dave dislocated his shoulder and capsized during a gybe. In race 2 an enormous gust blasted the fleet down the last run, capsizing several and breaking Ella Mitchell and James Morland's mast as they flew off a wave. Ollie Scrimshaw and James Penty pulled off an astonishing dodge to avoid running over Ella's stricken boat. The location of the windward mark on the first day led to extra challenges as on rounding and hoisting the boats were faced with a minefield of closely packed fishing buoys providing a tight slalom ride. With little steerage options in the building breeze many boats fell victim to the buoys with either a slow run (lobster in tow) or a rapid pitch pole and swim.

James Date and Toby Wincer in RWO made a very solid start to the series, winning the first three races. As the wind dropped their dominance waned, giving chances to the French team of Jeanlouis Treguier and Stephane Wacogne who chose their corners carefully and popped out to win two races convincingly. Half way through the regatta Martin Orton and Ian Brookes were looking strong in second place overall, but were gradually overhauled towards the end. Another two wins were picked up by light wind experts Ollie and James and the ever-dependable team of Tom Halhead and Stu Jagger, while Luke and Emma McEwen collected a useful string of five second places. Second in the final race was taken by Ella and James, showing great pace after borrowing Dave Hivey's mast.

The midday starts luckily provided a leisurely start to each morning after enthusiastic socialising by the fleet after racing, which generally seemed to gravitate to the local and lively Flamingo bar. The YC Carnac put on a fantastic seafood spread on the Friday evening during which the RS classes made quick measure of the generous vats of local wine.

On the final day RWO, the McEwens and Tom & Stu all stood a chance of winning. Tom & Stu won the first race convincingly, moving them ahead of the McEwens. In the final race Tom & Stu where the only boat left that could prevent RWO from taking the championship. RWO defended successfully by sailing Tom & Stu down the fleet and so secured the championship for James and Toby.

Overall a great regatta at a great venue; thanks are due to Crewsaver. The next RS800 event is at Hayling at the end of June and the National Championships are at Eastbourne in early August.

Overall Results: