The Irish RS Elite Fleet head to Cowes!
by Gerry Reid 6 Jun 2022 19:17 BST
9-12 June 2022
The Irish RS Elite Fleet on the ferry, heading to Cowes © Gerry Reid
The 2022 Brewin Dolphin RS Elite International Grand Prix, runs this week from the 9th to the 12th June, hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron Cowes. Of the forty boats expected on the start line, eight are travelling over from Northern Ireland making up 20% of the fleet.
Strong competition is expected between some of the big players, Tom Hewitson (Shaken not Stirred) and Ossie Stewart (More T Vicar) finished 1st and 2nd in last weekend's Southern Championship hosted by Hayling Island.
From the Irish fleet, Simon Brien (Kin) should be up at the top, although joining him Stephen Polly (Storm) who won the Strangford Lough Spring series. Not to be ruled out Jane Buchanan (Love Bug) relatively new to the Elite Fleet but so far has been quick around the race course. Jeff Ralston (Up Front), should also show form, having been a previous Irish Champion and has the benefit of a well experienced crew! We should add Ross Vaughan (Toucan) Ross recently joined the management team at Sail GP, no doubt he will be keen to do well at this Event. We are told that the Sponsors will have two representatives on board a Royal North Elite, Anchorman.
The last time the RS Elite Nationals was hosted at Cowes was in 2012, with some 38 entries back then it was deemed by all participants to be a world class event It is a testament to the organiser Charlie Edgerton Warburton, that such a large gathering is returning this year all looking for a repeat of the competitive racing and "Craic" form the last one!
Further information can be obtained from the RYS web site, www.rys.org.uk