RS Elite Crabbers Nip Autumn Series at Hayling Island Sailing Club

RS Elite Crabbers Nip Series prize winners © Sarah Smith

The RS Elite Crabbers Nip Autumn Series at Hayling Island Sailing Club was the final extravaganza in a memorable 2022 season. Sailed over six races in November and December, the Crabbers Nip provided some very close and competitive racing throughout the fleet.

Overall winner was Andy Partington's recently refurbished Lazy Daisy (RS Elite 66) with four race wins giving a net score of four points after discards. Unfortunately Andy was unable to sail as he has been recovering from a knee operation, so he remained ashore watching the boat, crewed by Gareth Edwards and Anna Wells, sailed to victory by guest helmsmen.

Lazy Daisy was closely followed in second place by Shaken Not Stirred (RS Elite 007), helmed by Tom Hewitson; crewed by Colin Smith and RS Elite Association Chairman Jo Hewitson, with guests taking places in the boat in some races. Shaken Not Stirred had two race wins and two seconds giving a net six points overall as compared to Lazy Daisy's four. Tom, Jo and Colin have had a successful season in 2022, winning the Southern Area Championship, coming third in the National championship and winning several club events and series at Hayling Island.

In third place with an overall net score of eleven points was RS Elite National Championship winner Ossie Stewart sailing More T Vicar (RS Elite 67), crewed by Geoff Carveth and Eddie Warden Owen. The Crabbers Nip trophy was originally presented by Ossie; named after his house which is next door to the landward entrance to Hayling Island Sailing Club and overlooks the waters where the series is sailed.

The planned seventh and final race of the series had to be cancelled due to inclement weather, but the remining six races were sailed in moderate - and sometimes quite warm - conditions, giving close and competitive racing in true RS Elite style. Of the fifteen boats entered, ten completed four or more races. The final social event was a celebratory lunch and prize-giving in the Hayling Island clubhouse.

The Crabbers Nip has rounded off what has been an epic year for the RS Elite class. Championship events (Southern Area, Eastern Area and Irish National) have all been well attended. The flagship event in 2022 was the RS Elite International Grand Prix incorporating the UK National Championship, which is already acquiring legendary status. Held at the Royal Yacht Squadron at Cowes, it attracted the largest ever entry for an RS Elite event and the final result was not decided until the nail-biting final race. The RS Elite Open Tour for 2023 has now been published. The class has lots to look forward to next year.

Overall Results: