RS400 Ropes4Boats Northern Tour Event at Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club

Dave and Caroline Exley win the RS400 Ropes4Boats Northern Tour event at Yorkshire Dales © Barrie Thornton

Event number four of the RS400 Rope4Boats Northern Tour was held at Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club on 2nd June. The weather forecast, coupled with road closures may explain the lower than expected turnout. However, those that did attend were welcomed with some fantastic hospitality and excellent race management.

Race one got away at 11.30 in a WNW 10mph breeze, there were some gains to be had both upwind and downwind due to the shifts that were prevalent throughout the day. The Exleys took an early lead, which they held on to until the last beat when Thornton/Cooper who were leading the chasing pack took advantage of building pressure on the right-hand side of the course to take the lead and first place, Exley/Exley were second with Pickles/Lunn taking third ahead of Williamson/Brameld.

Race two was held back to back and in slightly lighter conditions in a closely fought contest the Exley partnership showed good boat speed led from start to finish taking line honours with Pickles/Lunn managing to steal second place from Ridgway/Dawson.

There was a well-timed break for lunch as the wind was replaced with a northern drizzle, which kindly subsided as the boats took to the water for the afternoon.

Race three was held in similar conditions to race 2 and despite some good close tactical racing the Exleys form continued again leading from start to finish, taking first place and wrapping up the event with a race to spare. Williamson/Brameld sailed their best race of the event holding off Thornton/Cooper to take second place.

Race four saw the return of the 10mph breeze, the fleet got off to a clean start. Thornton/Cooper were first to go to the right-hand side of the course and picked up a shift that put them well clear of the fleet at the windward mark. The Exleys chased hard reducing the lead but ran out of laps. Williamson/Brameld sailed another consistent race holding off Pickles/Lunn to take third place.

Dave Exley thanked the efficient race team, the club for an excellent event and Tour sponsors Rope4Boats for their support. Rope4Boats vouchers were also won by Barrie Thornton and Ben Williamson.

The RS400 Rope4Boats Northern Tour moves on to join the Filey Regatta on 23&24th June. We look forward to seeing you there.

Overall Results: