RS200 Rooster National Tour and SEAS Tour at Queen Mary Sailing Club

The QMSC combined Rooster National Tour and SEAS Tour Event saw a 33 strong fleet setting out for racing in light conditions despite a promising forecast of sun and 10 knots.

The fleet was presented a challenging set of conditions for race one, with the wind dropping to 2 knots off the start. Looking ahead at the second half of the beat, dark clouds begun rolling down the course bringing a sudden downpour of rain and breeze on. The wind dropped again for the final lap but Murray Hampshire and Phoebe Warren managed to climb the fleet to secure 1st, Scott Wallis and Emma Baker came 2nd and Julian Bradley and Helen Cafferata took 3rd.

Race two saw Arran Holman and Will Ward take the lead, followed closely by Ian Martin and Chris Catt and Murray Hampshire and Phoebe Warren in third.

Race three saw a new leader emerge as the breeze filled in from the left on the downwind leg. Isaac Marsh and Fresh Abendstern pipped Ian Martin and Chris Catt who remained consistent in second and Arran Holman and Will Ward in third.

The course was reset in line with a left shift for race four, and a group of eager starters pushed over at the port end of the line leading to a general recall. Determined to get in the full set of races for the day, the race officer raised the U flag and pressed on. The wind shifted once again and dropped off, leading to a one tack last lap led by Scott Wallis and Emma Baker, Arran Holman and Will Ward in second followed by Ian Martin and Chris Catt.

An indefinite AP was raised for Sunday with no wind on the reservoir. Time for some light boat work in preparation for Nationals and a game of table tennis. With the forecast showing no promise of wind, the decision was made to can the day of racing. It was close at the top of the fleet with only four points between the top four competitors, Arran Holman and Will Ward claimed first representing the Clapham Model Yacht Club, Ian Martin and Chris Catt closely following in second for Netley and Murray Hampshire and Phoebe Warren in third (WSCC). Ian Martin and Chris Catt were crowned Rooster Prize Winners, Mid fleet heroes were Julian Bradley and Helen Cafferata and the Endeavour prize was awarded to Lucy Greenwood and Rachel Williams. See you all at EXE SC for the Nationals!

Overall Results: