RS Games 2018 at the WPNSA: RS700 European Championship Day 3

RS700 Europeans day 3 at the RS Games © Alex & David Irwin / www.sportography.tv

Day three of the RS700 Europeans and Nationals started with a few more weekend entries and the promise of an exciting day's sailing back in Weymouth Bay.

The forecast of 14 to 16 knots South Westerly had the majority of the fleet checking their boats prior to the day's racing. There were a lot of aching muscles from the previous two days' events and many of the more mature competitors gingerly made their way out to the race course.

RS700 Europeans day 3 at the RS Games - photo © Alex & David Irwin / www.sportography.tv

Alex Newton-Southon finally managed to find some time to launch his new boat and showed the fleet that he had not lost any of his skill by reaching the windward mark first. Unfortunately he had to retire with teething problems as the spinnaker managed to come down before Alex was ready.

The conditions in the bay led to some challenging sea conditions which the Czech competitors don't usually see on their home water but all survived which is testament to how far the European sailors have got to grips with the boat.

RS700 Europeans day 3 at the RS Games - photo © Alex & David Irwin / www.sportography.tv

Even heavy weather expert Richard Wadsworth had some unexpected capsizes on race one together with Colin Dacey who managed a trip down the mine and being flung around the forestay.

The star of the day was new RS700 Chair Theo Galyer; having adjusted the rig on his new boat he found phenomenal speed upwind to record a 2nd place in race two. However he was so excited with his new found speed that he managed to dislocate his shoulder launching his spinnaker. He still managed to finish but his day was done. Special mention to James Bayliss who noticed Theo's condition and selflessly helped Theo sort his boat out as Theo was ferried off to the local hospital.

RS700 Europeans day 3 at the RS Games - photo © Alex & David Irwin / www.sportography.tv

Young Jack Napolitano, only 16 and sailing in his first RS700 National, survived without capsizing and recorded some good results to come off the water with a big smile on his face, same as everyone else!

2013 national champion Robbie Bell had an excellent day recording three bullets which has given him the title of European and National Champion for 2018! All very tight for the remaining places with two races left to go.

Results after Day 3: