Noble Marine RS700 National Championship at Castle Cove Sailing Club - Overall

Noble Marine RS700 National Championship prize giving © Richard Bowers

Champion Theo Galyer with CCSC Vice Commodore Andy Adler at the Noble Marine RS700 National Championship prize giving © Richard Bowers

Day four started with glorious sunshine but a rather ominous forecast in terms of wind. Upon arriving to the club the harbour was beautiful but looked like a sheet of glass; not a breath of wind.

None the less the majority of the fleet were eager to leave the shore, especially some of the lighter helms eager for a low score in the light winds. The race officer had sensibly squeezed an extra race in on day three due to the forecast. However he was still keen to get a "good quality" race in.

Boats were held ashore under a postponement. The wind started filling in from the South and with cumulus sitting over the land it looked like a decent thermal could contradict the forecast. This was enough for some sailors to put on wetsuits and even pull up sails.

The Race Officer was out on the water trying his best to set a course in a breeze that looked better than it was. The need to keep moving marks and gates was a sign that the wind wasn't behaving. In the end he was forced to call it a day to give competitors a chance to get on the road. So trophies and Rooster goodies were distributed in a heart-warming prize-giving.

I just wanted to say how happy I am as a RS700 Class Association Chair to see nearly 30 boats at our nationals. It is so refreshing to see so many people coming to their first RS700 nationals all sharing knowledge and learning from each other. We were even able to start a bronze fleet this year which I think was greatly received. I believe the camaraderie we have in our fleet is truly unique and hard to find elsewhere.

I wanted to make a special mention of Jack Napolitano winning the silver fleet and becoming an honouree gold fleet sailor. It was clear to see how much practice he has put in. Perhaps a future national champ?

Castle Cove Sailing Club really put on a spectacular show from high quality windward leeward racing, great photography and bargain priced delicious food and beer. I would go back in an instant.

Thanks to our generous sponsors Noble, RS Sailing, Hyde Sails, Rooster, Spinlock, Sea Change Wine and Fernhurst Books.

Looking to the future: for those who are feeling like they missed out well dry your eyes because we still have two more RS700 Rooster national tour events to go. First Brightlingsea Skiff Fest 2nd-3rd of October which is always a laugh with a truly special curry night on the Saturday. We also have our Inland Championship at Oxford SC 6th-7th November. I hope both of these will be well attended as our numbers are on the rise.

I hope everyone got home safely and I'll see you at the next event.

Noble Marine RS700 2021 National Championship Other Prize Winners:

• Youngest sailor: William Homewood from Royal Lymington YC
• 1st Weekend: Stephen Carr from Brightlingsea SC
• Endeavour: Guy Boullenger from Chew Valley SC
• Bronze Fleet: John Lawson from AC Trefort Voile
• Apprentice: Nathan Steffenoni from Weston SC
• Fidelis Trophy: Ian Swann from HISC
• Master: Pete Purkiss from Brightlingsea SC
• Silver: Jack Napolitano from Snettisham Beach SC

Overall Results: