RS Aeros at the Lymington Dinghy Regatta 2015

RS Aeros at the Lymington Dinghy Regatta 2015 © Aero Class Association

Ten RS Aeros entered in the annual combined club Lymington Dinghy Regatta. With medium winds forecast nine of the ten boats opted for the medium '7' rig and even so, the fleet chose to join in with the large 39 boat medium handicap rather than having their own start.

Unlike the 44 boat Lymington RS Aero Open meeting, this weekend was blessed by the conditions getting steadily harder, with the wind steadily increasing each day and tide turning, rather than being at its most testing on arrival!

The first race got underway in 10-12 knots on a trapezoid course, with Alex Hayman setting the precedent for the weekend and sailing away from the others to take the win, with Phillip Gwyther just pipping Karl Thorne for second place.

With the breeze increasing to 15-20 knots and the tide changing to be wind against tide the race committee reset the course to keep the fleet in the less choppy conditions. Again Alex sailed to the victory with Karl second and Phillip third.

Race 3 became more interesting with Alex going for a swim on the first run to let most of the fleet through him. As Alex chased down Karl for the lead, the extra lap helped him pass Karl for first and again Phillip came in 3rd.

Day 2 was forecast to be lighter but as the sun came out the breeze increased. Alex went on to win all 3 races again with Karl stamping his authority on the 2nd place, by completing a hat-rick of second places in the increasing breeze.

With a steady 20 knots gusting 25 knots at times the fleet slowly depleted, but Phillip managed to grab another 2 thirds before missing the final race.

This time the RS Aero club prize goes to The Royal for taking out the top two spots.

Thanks go to all those involved in organising the regatta from the Royal Lymington Yacht Club, and Lymington Town Sailing Club.

RS Aero results within Medium Handicap fleet: