Stewart Brewing RS400 Scottish Championships at Largs Sailing Club

Stewart Brewing RS400 Scottish Championships at Largs Sailing Club © Hillary Connelly

Thirteen boats turned up to Largs Sailing Club on the 12/13th of June for the RS400 Scottish Championships, which also formed part of the larger national Rooster tour.

Saturday got under way in a steady fresh westerly breeze and clear skies. With all competitors rusty from Covid lockdowns, everyone was feeling it up the very long beats. Every race had lots of positional changes, it felt like a game of snake and ladders. Angus Marshall had an amazing first beat of this life and lead the fleet by 200 meters but then to sit in a hole on the run and come out in the bottom half. Mike and Mark from Carsington SC were the most consistent performers on the day however they didn't get it all their own way. In race 4, Neil and Euan from Dalgety Bay SC were very quick downwind and on the last leg just managed to overtake Mike and Mark to win race 4. Jon and Amanda showed good speed with 2 second and 2 fifth places. The fleet headed ashore after a very long and fun day on the water.

Our sponsors, Stewart Brewing, kindly provided beer for the fleet to sample in the evening sun. As customary, all good socials lead to a legendary van party... inspired by 80s tape (not a typo, yes, tape) collection, unfortunately can't say much more as no one can remember on how the party finished.

The weather forecast for Sunday was to be lighter than Saturday, it was wrong, instead of a force 3, we had a strong warm southerly force 4 occasionally force 5. The weather provided a good hang-over cure along with more long beats. Race 5 was a battle again between Mike and Mark and Neil and Euan. Neil/Euan were leading, started lap 3 but it was only a 2-lap race which allowed Mike to win and 3 other boats to finish before they realised.

Stewart Brewing RS400 Scottish Championships at Largs Sailing Club - photo © Hillary Connelly

Everyone in the fleet were having hairy moments with gybes. Hester got congratulated by the rescue team on doing the biggest pitch poll they ever seen. Phil decided to panic his crew and rescue by camping out under his turtled boat for a few minutes. Hester decided she should socialise with the D-zeros by parking on their windward mark for a chat. Ian and Stewart coming together rubbing masts, resulting in Alan and Mike losing focus and going swimming (again).

Just shows that consistency is extremely important to the overall results, no doubt that Mike and Mark are experts in that regard, again crowned Scottish Champions. Jon and Amanda from Lochaber SC and Peter and Ruary from Dalgety Bay SC came second and third respectively again on the back of some consistent results with only 1 point separating them. The endeavour award from Rooster was Mike and Alan from Largs SC who finished every race but who have the most points. Mid-fleet warrior was Robert and Nadia in seventh place from Aberdeen and Stonehaven SC.

Stewart Brewing RS400 Scottish Championships at Largs Sailing Club - photo © Hillary Connelly

The Scottish demo boat is also worthy of a mention, tremendously sailed by Martin and Bill finishing eighth place, just shows that an old RS400 can still be competitive. If anyone would like a try of a RS400, please get in touch with the Scottish RS400 facebook page for information.

Finally, we would like to thank our hosts, Largs SC, everyone involved with the regatta did a fantastic job and made the fleet feel very welcome and safe. Thank you to the regatta sponsors, Harken for the impressive prizes. Thank you to RS400 sponsors, Stewart Brewing and Rooster for their support. The next event for the Scottish tour is at Royal Findhorn YC on the 10/11 July.

Overall Results: