RS Tera Eastern Region Traveller Series Round 1 at Alton Water Sports Centre

We had some great racing to start the RS Tera Eastern Region Traveller series at Alton Water Sailing Club, Suffolk, despite some tricky conditions.

The day kicked off very light and shifting winds so that the course had to be reset multiple times. Once the race officer was happy, racing commenced with the sport fleet, which I was in, following the pro fleet. Gradually through race 1 the wind picked up enough for good competitive racing in the sport fleet. Toby Hatsell got into an early lead and set the pace for the whole race but a tack too early in the final stages enabled Finley Southon who was following me, to plough through the finish line just ahead of Toby. Toby was not going to give up and showed complete and utter determination through the remaining 3 races. The wind held for Race 2 and all sailors started to up their game. Georgie Stammers was not going to let anyone beat her and came from 8th in race 1 to winning race 2 with Toby hot on her heels and Nathan Russell coming 3rd.

After lunch we returned to the water for 2 more races but the wind was starting to drop off. There was a big push to get off the line in race 3 with Georgie and me breaking away from the remainder of the fleet. Georgie zoomed on in front and was able to benefit from the wind angles which shifted for the rest of us; slowing all of us down and left Georgie to win the race strongly, followed by Toby and Finley. The wind completely dropped off for race 4, making for a very slow and difficult start. Finley, Georgie and Toby once again got in front to finish the last race in the first of the series. The results overall were Toby Hatsell in 3rd, Finley Southon in 2nd and Georgie Stammers in 1st place. Congratulations to all 3 who deserved the top places. Skye Collard was worthy winner of the Endeavour award, despite the challenging conditions she maintained her smile and good humour throughout.

Unfortunately, I was unable to observe the pro fleet in detail, but they appeared to be making their way around the course quickly and efficiently. From the smiles of the pro sailors it was obvious that it had been a tight competition between Harry McTiernan, Felix Powell and Lucy Shelter. However, Ed Eeles (winner of the Endeavour award) and Jessica Haigh gave the top 3 a run for their money but the final overall triumph was had by Lucy in 3rd, Felix in 2nd and Harry in 1st. Well done to all the winners and especially to all the sailors who made it a fun and enjoyable competition.

Overall Results:

Looking to race your RS Tera Pro or Sport? Here are some dates for your diary:

• 15th & 16th June - Eastern Region Traveller Series #2 Train & Race - Brightlingsea SC
• 22nd & 23rd June - Eastern Region Traveller Series #3 Train & Race - Bough Beech SC
• 13th & 14th July - Inland Championships ***Squad Selector*** - Rutland SC
• 24th - 26th August - UK RS Tera NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS ***Squad Selector*** - Brightlingsea Sailing Club (inc. Regatta Fleet)
• 14th & 15th September - Eastern Championships (#4 of the 2019 Traveller Series) - Royal Harwich YC
• 12th & 13th October - Eastern Traveller Series #5 Train & Race - Rutland Sailing Club