RS Games 2018 at the WPNSA: RS700 European Championship Days 1 & 2

RS700 Europeans day 2 at the RS Games © Alex & David Irwin / www.sportography.tv

Race one: The RS700 European and National Championship got underway in 10 to 12 knots out in Weymouth Bay. With more than 30 boats on the start line the competition was fierce. Reigning European Champion Milan Hajek laid down his marker by showing the fleet a clean pair of heels off the line and the race all the way to take the win. Robbie Bell and Colin Dacey followed in to get Snettisham Beach on the scoreboard.

Race two: By race two the wind had built to nearly 15 knots with the competitors able to stretch their legs and start footing off for speed. Following an unusually good start by Richard Wadsworth he snuck around the windward mark inside Michal Kotek and held the position to the finish line. Robbie and Colin were in close pursuit, but at the last gate Matt Carter got past them to take 2nd with Colin in 3rd.

At the close of the day Robbie was tied on points with Colin at the top of the table with Richard in 3rd.

RS700 Europeans day 2 at the RS Games - photo © Alex & David Irwin / www.sportography.tv

Race three: Day two got underway with the fleet heading out into the bay once more (due to popular demand). As the RS100 and RS300s were also out in the bay the RS700s and RS800s' start line was somewhere in the vicinity of Lulworth! The fleet got away clearly for the third race in 8-10 knots of wind with broken sunshine. Once again Milan popped out at the front of the fleet where he led the race from start to finish. The ever present Robbie came 2nd with Michal in 3rd.

Race four: The wind had built slightly for the start of race four. Robbie rounded the windward mark first with Richard and Milan in close company. Milan got past Richard by the gate and started chasing down Robbie. Pete Purkiss was also in hot pursuit and powered by his own weather system overhauled Richard downwind. At the first gybe Milan got in front of Robbie to take the win with Robbie in 2nd and Pete taking 3rd.

RS700 Europeans day 2 at the RS Games - photo © Alex & David Irwin / www.sportography.tv

Race five: The wind had built to about 15-16 knots by the start of the last race of the day. Those who headed left up the beat seemed to gain the advantage, with Colin commanding a sizable lead at the windward mark. Downwind was now full on trapezing and blasting through the growing swell. The thought of leading the race was clearly too much for Colin so he decided to wipe out between the gate and provide an obstacle for the next. Robbie took the lead with a flying Ian Nolan chasing behind. By the final gate Robbie was secure in the lead, but Richard gybed inside Ian at the last to take second with Ian third.

Day two finished with Robbie leading overall, Richard in second and Milan in third.

Results after Day 3: