RS300s in the Harken RS End of Seasons Regatta at Rutland Sailing Club

RS300 class podium in the Harken RS End of Seasons Regatta at Rutland © Paul North

Four hardy souls turned up at Rutland SC in their trusty RS300s for the Harken RS End of Seasons Regatta. The forecast had looked nice for the last couple of days but this morning it had decided to predict 30 knot gusts. However, this did not deter us as on arriving and being under the protection of the trees things were pleasant. So off we went after remembering to at least skim through the video briefing so we knew we were starting with the RS600s.

The lake was very low, so a muddy launch was the order of the day once you had got to the bottom of the beach. Once out on the race course, far down by the dam, we were met with a good breeze but so far nothing near the expected gusts.

Once the RS Vareos and the RS200s had started, we lined up for race one on the relatively crowded start line with the RS600s. Even with a good start the RS600s eventually started to overhaul so clear air had to be found. A good solid race was had with Pete stretching his legs into the lead and Luke showing good pace to keep near him. Rob came in third and Mathew, after a Summer of harvesting rather than sailing, was fourth following a quick dip on one of the runs whilst hunting gusts.

Race two, the windward and spreader mark had been moved further upwind, so a bit more grunt work was required to get there but all was good. Until on the second lap when we discovered that the bear away mark was directly on the starboard lay line for the RS800s, at which point we all arrived at the same time. This required some very precise threading of the needle between the RS800s whilst bearing away at full speed, I'm still not sure they saw us coming...

On the second run, Luke got a bit of a wobble on and lost it into windward with the boat quickly assuming its most stable position of upside down, with Luke quickly scrabbling back onto the hull to get going again (and get out of the chilly water I think) the dagger board slipped through his fingers to disappeared out of reach. This took some time to recover so Luke was out.

Again, Peter got the better of the rest and won with Matthew and Rob bringing up the rear.

Race three, what felt like a long postponement was endured whilst the course was adjusted before the third start. At which time it felt like the gusts were trying to match the forecast. On starting, the RS300s kept a close fleet with Mathew starting to get back into the groove giving Pete a good run all the way round. Luke again lost it on the run as it was tricky with lulls and gusts, this time even drawing blood. So, Pete completed his clean sweep, Mathew second and Rob third.

This was followed by the long beat back to the club, a muddy haul up the beach, a hot shower, a few good beers and a tasty lasagne in the club before bed.

Sunday arrived and the not much could be seen at all thanks to fog and very little wind, so the AP flag went up and we waited. The committee boat went out to see what could not be seen and eventually the day was all called off, so we made use of our time in comparing how much we could bend our booms and how much vang we had been putting on the day before. Turns out we all needed was to put more on to match Pete.

Thanks to Rutland for another good event, even if it was only one day of sailing, and a good evening. Also, thanks to the sponsors: Harken for the event and Rooster for the RS300 2022 National Tour.

Overall Results: