RS Aero UK Nationals & International Open at Paignton Sailing Club - Day 1
by RS Aero UK Class Association 29 May 2022 09:52 BST
RS Aero UK National Championships & International Open 2022 © Paignton Sailing Club
The 2022 RS Aero UK Nationals kicked off at Paignton with 101 RS Aeros spread over four fleets.
For the first time at a championship the RS Aero 6s join the Class with the first new owners having received their new 6 rigs recently following the RS Aero 6s adoption into the RS Aero Class in December. International visitors have joined the Championship from Ireland, Sweden and the Netherlands.
Gorgeous sunshine over Tor Bay and a light breeze provided just enough for good challenging racing to start the Championship. The Juror team helped keep the fleet honest handing out a few penalties to infringers, keeping the racing fair and more enjoyable.
In the RS Aero 5s Axel Almersson (Jollekappseglarna Vasteras, SWE) of Sweden leads Chloe George (Lymington Town) with a 3,1 vs a 2,3 with Sammy Isaacs-Johnson (Maidenhead SC) close behind with a 4,2.
The RS Aero 6s has close battles in their initial eight boat fleet. Sam Mettam (Papercourt) led the day with a 1,1 ahead of Ellie Craig's (Draycote) 2,3.
The RS Aero 7s had the largest fleet with 44 entries and those over eager kept the race team busy with several recalls! Jack Lewis (RYA) led the way with a 1,2 followed by Jack Miller (Felpham SC/Paignton) on a solid 3,3.
Consistency is proving key in the RS Aero 9s who managed a third race. 13 entries it is Steve Norbury (Warsash) clear ahead with an impressive 2,2,2 and Paul Bartlett (Starcross) is in 2nd with a solid 3,4,4. Race wins went to Chris Larr (Draycote) and Peter Barton (Lymington Town).
More breeze on Day 2 promises a welcome leg stretch for all the competitors.
Find full results here...