Volvo Noble Marine RS300 Nationals at Prestwick Sailing Club - Overall

Day 3 of the Volvo Noble Marine RS300 Nationals at Prestwick © Tim Keen

Day 3 of the Volvo Noble Marine RS300 Nationals at Prestwick © Alan Henderson / www.fotoboat.com

We knew it was windy when we looked out of the window and the seagulls were flying backwards. By the time we reached the club the Race Officer, Paul Gilmore had already phoned the harbour masters at Ayr and Troon and received confirmation that the gusts were reaching 40 knots. Less scientifically, my hat blew off which tells me it's definitely too windy to go sailing.

Thus, the 2014 Volvo Noble Marine RS300 Nationals finished with both the Saturday and Sunday races blown off with the final results decided on the 6 races sailed over the opening two days.

Highlights of the week? Almost too many to mention, but I'll try anyway...

The absolutely impeccable welcome and hospitality afforded by Prestwick SC. The race management was exceptional and the final evening's entertainment, a hog roast and comedy night, will live long in the memory, and luckily there are many photographs on the class Facebook page to help us recall some of the more fuzzy bits.

The resurgence of the fleet after a couple of disappointing years in terms of turnout. The 36 entries is an increase of 80% over the last two years and represents over 15% of all the boats ever built. A third of the fleet were attending their first 300 championship.

The ongoing rivalry between Dave Acres and Steve Bolland who have swapped 1st and 2nd places for the last three years. Fortunately their coming together in race 1 was settled over a couple of beers, followed by several lagers, some weird local concoctions and a final rum and coke in the early hours. Thereafter they shadowed each other on the water and in the bar; just how championship sailing should be.

Final results are below. Other prizewinners were as follows:
Apprentice (first RS300 championship) – Steve Sallis (Hykeham SC)
Youth – Pete Mackin (Bolton SC)
Master – Steve Sallis (Hykeham SC)
Silver fleet – Pete Ellis (Aldenham SC)
Fidelis (entered 3 or more previous championships) – Harry McVicar (Aldenham SC)
Lightweight (helm under 75kg) – Steve Sallis (Hykeham SC)
Biggest improver – Dan Treloar (Aldenham SC)
Team prize – Thorney Island SC

I'm sure the fleet will return to Prestwick before long for another championship. Before then there's the 2015 Nationals at Dovey YC next July.

Many thanks to both of the headline sponsors, Volvo and Noble Marine and the other sponsors – The Boatyard at Beer and South Ayrshire Sports Council.

Overall Results: