RS700 European and Noble Marine UK National Championships at the WPNSA - Overall

Theo Galyer wins the RS700 European and Noble Marine UK National Championships at the WPNSA © Phil Jackson / Digital Sailing

A solid forecast of gusts of 20 knots was superseded when the RS700 fleet started peeling their covers off Sunday morning. It was averaging 25 knots on the harbour wall and some slightly worried faces set a mood in the camp.

A discussion was had with management about the worry of an increasing forecast. The main issue was the amount of safety in place alongside space to run a trapezoid. After a suggestion of sharing an inner loop with the RS800s was made a coin was flipped. The result was the RS800s would do two races on the inner with the RS700s to go out on the same course after them. At this stage a couple of boats thought their time at the event had come to an end and a few undercovers were produced.

RS700 European and Noble Marine UK National Championships at the WPNSA - photo © Phil Jackson / Digital Sailing

However the majority of the fleet were keen and people changed into kit with strong intentions to make the most of the last day. It was an eventful launch with a dead offshore. One boat decided it was going to launch without its owner before the class was released! This provided some entertainment as John Lawson threw himself into the water showing immense front and backstroke techniques. A rib in the marina took pity and rescued John and his boat!

The race officer was true to his word and got the RS700 in sequence very promptly. This was gratefully received as the pound coins were visibly shaking off peoples championship mains! The race got under way in a steady 20 knots which had moderated from earlier and continued in this fashion for the rest of the day. Theo Galyer had the committee boat to himself whilst the bulk of the fleet were flying down the line at speed perhaps due to the F flag. Matt Carter tried hard to roll over the top of Rob Higgins who decided to crack off and go for speed. Theo held a clear lead at the windward mark and held on to this for the rest of the race with Rob and Matt in tow. Ben Cooper fueled with rage after some tough points scored on Saturday cruised into the line comfortably to take a 4th. Czech boat Michal Kotek proving consistency came in just behind to take 5th.

RS700 European and Noble Marine UK National Championships at the WPNSA - photo © Phil Jackson / Digital Sailing

A couple of boats were timed out and the race officer got things going quickly again. By this point the wind was more like 18 knots sometimes entering the low 20s. Theo started committee boat again whilst Matt and Rob were middle of the line. Theo tacked early rather than hitting the lay line and it cost him. Although he rounded first Rob was one boat length behind him at the top and Matt in touching distance of Rob. A quick kite set from the top two meant a fast blast down 'Death Alley'. The wind was funneling down the side of the naval ship. Theo didn't like the look of the situation and decided on an early gybe with the intention of ducking behind Rob. Rob showing some concern at a boat gybing on to port next to him came off the wire and slowed right down. Theo tried to park it, as eye contact was made it was clear Theo needed to avoid the collision. A gybe back on to starboard resulted in a capsize (well received by half the fleet of course). Having done the maths Theo decided to head into the shore with a smirk on his face. Rob and Matt battled it out and perhaps Karma was dealt at the end of the race when Matt nailed the lay line and came storming through with his kite up to pip Rob on the line. James Clark came in behind with his second top three of the event which bumped him up to top five overall and on top of this snagged himself the silver trophy.

RS700 European and Noble Marine UK National Championships at the WPNSA (l-r) Rob Higgins, Theo Galyer, Matt Carter - photo © Phil Jackson / Digital Sailing

Overall the fleet had a really good event at the RS Games and will look forward to returning again in four years' time! Massive credit to the RS team who manage to cope with huge amounts of boats in a very short space of time. Thank you to our super event sponsors: Noble Marine, RS Sailing, Rooster, Hyde and Fernhurst Books. Thank you to WPNSA for hosting us so splendidly. And biggest thanks to our smashing race officer Tom Rushbridge and his super team for hosting such high quality racing in some properly difficult conditions.

I personally want to say thank you to Clare Sargent (RS Class Association Secretary) for all the hard work she puts in time and time again at the events, it wouldn't be the same without her and it has been a pleasure working alongside you. Also thanks to all the friends who sailed or still sail the RS700, long may the friendliness of the class continue. Best of luck to Matt Carter the new class Chair who is perfect for the job. That's me signing out for now.

RS700 and RS800 Hyde Sail winners with banner - photo © Sally Campbell

Simon Hawes - RS700 Hyde Sail winner - photo © Sally Campbell

RS700 Prize Winners:

• Hyde Sails spinnaker: QMSC Simon Hawes
• Endeavour Trophy: Fernhurst books voucher, Rooster cap: JMJ CZE Jiri Lassig
• Fidelis Trophy: Rooster cap: QMSC Matt Conner
• 1st Bronze: Rooster cap: YC Liskovec CZE Jiri Kuthan
• 1st Silver: Rooster voucher: Chew Valley Lake SC James Clark
• 1st Apprentice: Rooster voucher: Hill Head, Stokes Bay and Castle Cove SC: Richie Thurlby
• 1st Master: Rooster voucher: Brightlingsea SC Pete Purkiss
• 6th place: Rooster cap: Brightlingsea SC Pete Purkiss
• 5th place: Rooster cap: Chew Valley Lake SC James Clark
• 4th place: Rooster cap: JMJ CZE: Michal Kotek
• 3rd place: Rooster voucher, Noble Marine cap: Lancing SC Matt Carter
• 2nd place: Rooster voucher, Noble Marine cap: Chew Valley Lake SC Rob Higgins
• RS700 National Champion for 2022: Rooster voucher, Noble Marine cap: HISC Theo Galyer
• RS700 European Champion for 2022: Rooster voucher, Noble Marine cap: HISC Theo Galyer

Overall Results: