Noble Marine Rooster RS400 National Championships - Runners and Riders
by Jacob Ainsworth 26 Jul 2022 16:31 BST
8-12 August 2022
Final day - Volvo Noble Marine RS400 UK & Irish Nationals © Bradley Quinn
In under two weeks' time, the 2022 RS400 National Championships, sponsored by Noble Marine and Rooster, will be under way at the well renowned East Lothian Yacht Club which lies south of the firth of Forth and overlooking the picturesque Bass Rock.
The last time the class travelled north of the border for its Nationals was nine years ago in 2013. This has led to a bumper Scottish contingent of 16 boats to greet the remaining travelling boats from throughout the UK, from the south coast to Northern Ireland.
Here is a look at some of the runners and riders vying for the title of National Champion....
Steve Cockerill & Sarah Cockerill
As always Steve and Sarah will most likely be spending a lot of time at the pointy end of the fleet. They have a second and a third to their name at the last two nationals. Can they complete the set?
Christopher Eames & Rachel Tilley
New kids on the block, they put in a good performance to finish 13th at the nationals last year. They have been taking the Southern Tour by storm this year with several podium finishes including second at the Euro Cup and Southern Champs. Can they go one better?
Stewart Robertson & Sarah Robertson
Previous winners from the 2013 Nationals when they were last held here. You wouldn't bet against this team doing it again. They've got an abundance of local knowledge, therefore always a safe bet to keep an eye on which way they are going!
Neil McLellan & Ewan Rycroft
Silver fleet imposters from last year...with a 6th place finish and a new ship, this team will mean business on local waters!
Sam Knight & Chris Bownes
Missed out on the podium in 4th last year, Sam and Chris may have hit form at the right time having recently won the Southern Champs. Definitely one to watch!
Jon Heissig & Nicky Griffin
Finishing tenth last year and second 400 at this years Birkett Trophy, Jon and Nicky are consistently at the front end of the fleet, could consistency be the key?
Outsiders
Brendan Lynch & Thomas Goodman
Hot shots from the 200 fleet, if they don't get their wings and wangs mixed up, they could be up there!
Charlie Exley & Dave Exley
Charlie is helming his first 400 Nationals with a stalwart of the class in the front end, this duo could be one to watch!
Jamie Boy Wonder Calder & Keith Silver Fox Bedborough
Back from the Wazsp life crisis, this duo have been showing good form on the Scottish Tour this year with recent wins at Aberdeen and Stonehaven and East Lothian. This is Jamie's first 400 Nationals and the silver foxs' 400th!
So that's some, but definitely not all of those who are in with a shout at this year's National Championships at East Lothian Yacht Club. If this has whetted your appetite, there is still time to join the fun, and don't worry if you're unlikely to make the top ten, or even the top twenty, there are fabulous Rooster prizes to be won throughout the fleet, the sailors are known for their warm welcome and helpful approach, and with coaching the day before racing starts and an expert tactics talk, it's a great chance to improve your sailing, as well as enjoying everything North Berwick has to offer afloat and ashore.
Entry is open until 1st August. Enter now!