Great social programme lined up for Volvo Noble Marine RS200 Nationals

So summer is is in full swing and we are just nine days away from the RS200 National Championships at Hayling Island, so here is the lowdown on the social programme...

Saturday - 18:30 Gate start intro 19:00 Briefing & Welcome followed by Speed Dating

Before the official bits of the briefing there will be an quick chat about the fundamentals of gate starting who might be a little bit nervous. The event briefing and welcome from the committee will be at 7 pm shortly followed by the annual meet and greet the fleet (a.k.a speed-dating!). Don't panic, you're not expected to give out your phone number, it's just an opportunity to meet and chat to people you might not have spoken to before, whether you're new to the fleet or not.

Sunday - Crews Union Beach Party and Helms Drinks

Every crew is invited for fun, games and drinks on the beach (helms paying). Forget any preconceptions you may have about crews unions if you're new to it, it's a place to meet new people, play some games and not have to talk about sailing (unless you really want to!) Meanwhile as it's the first day of racing we thought the helms might need to recover with a few civilised drinks in the bar.

Monday - Beach Games

We've got a full range beach games lined up - there will be lots of opportunities to make gains on your nearest rivals!

Tuesday - The Rum and Red Stripe Party with live music from Steel Strum

Jamaican themed Fancy Dress party, at the Piranha Bar, Sparks Marina The partying really starts to hot up on Tuesday night as we channel the Carribean vibe for the Rum and Red Stripe party. Jamaican theme fancy dress is required while everyone gets down to the chilled out groove of Steel Strum. We like rum, we like red stripe, we love a steel band, Hayling is pretty much in the Carribean. What more could you want of an evening - oh yes the Boom of Doom.

Wednesday - Happy hour and Buddy Team Pub Quiz

Exactly what it says on the tin. Happy hour drinks followed by a pub quiz in the bar.

The RS200 fleet runs a buddy series throughout the event, with the winners being crowned at the prize giving on Thursday. The buddy prize is not solely based on your combined sailing scores - your overall position in the buddy quiz night is equally important! Obviously points will be docked for poor attendance so you will need to have found your buddies by now and made excellent friends.

Thursday - Championship Dinner, Prize Giving and Black Tie Party with live music from The Senators

As much as I don't want to think about the event finishing, it's going to go out with a bang. This is your opportunity to show how well you scrub up and celebrate a top week. We have an excellent band, beautiful scenery and the RS200 fleet suited and booted what more could you need for a good party?!

Other useful bits of information...

Daily prize giving at 9pm every evening for winners of the day - Gold, Silver, Bronze, Buddies and Duckhams

• Stories of gross underachievement for Duckhams need to go to Ally Martin or Lucy Preston before 8.30 pm to ensure the appropriate recognition is given.

• If we're postponed at any point during the week, we have a number of racing seminars planned, so keep an ear out for announcements.

We're massively looking forward to it, so we hope you are too.