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RS100s at the Salcombe Gin RS Summer Regatta at Hayling Island Sailing Club

by Andrew Jones 27 Jun 2023 20:47 BST 24-25 June 2023
RS100s at the Salcombe Gin RS Summer Regatta © Phil Jackson / Digital Sailing

Gather, fair sailors, and lend thine ears,
For the tale of the Salcombe Gin RS Summer Regatta draws near.
In this noble Hayling SC event of yore,
The RS100 fleet did grace the shore.

Race one, the voyage did commence,
With Nils Jolliffe, a man of great sense.
With nimble skills and speed unseen,
He claimed victory in race one, his sailing a dream.

Race two, a battle waged with wind's slight,
Clive Eplett, a warrior bold, took flight.
Like a tempest, he conquered the (light to moderate!) gales,
Navigating the tumultuous trails.
Nigel Wakefield manoeuvred, fearless and bright,
Sailed with grace, a close second in sight.

Amidst the intense racing's fervent pace,
A moment unfolded, adding a twist to the chase.
Mark Harrison, skilled and bold,
Found himself in a predicament untold.

The RS100 fleet surged through the race,
But Mark, caught in the frenzy, missed the trace.
The leeward gate, a crucial sight,
Escaped his notice, lost in the fight.
The racing's intensity, a captivating force,
Led him astray, off his planned course.

Alas, the sea's mischievous hand was dealt,
And Mark, capsizing, in the waters he felt.
But in his misfortune, let us not forget,
The spirit he displayed, a trait hard to forget.
For in the face of challenges unforeseen,
He rose again, like a phoenix, serene.

Race three, a drama unfolded on the deep,
Andy Jones, a maverick, led up the first beat.
But with cunning strategy and daring grace,
Nils conquered the challengers, winning the race.
And Eplett, again a tempest unleashed,
With determination, second position reached.

Oh, the second day brought trials anew,
A strengthening sea breeze, that much is true.
With persistent shifts on each beat,
The RS100 fleet stayed resilient and fleet.
And though the challenges were at times tough,
They persevered, sailing strong and rough.

With every gust and subtle change,
The RS100 sailors embraced the range.
Their sails billowed, catching the wind,
As they raced, their determination chinned.
Through shifting tides and uncertain course,
They displayed their prowess, without remorse.

Race four, a test of skill and nerve,
Matt Johnson, a daredevil, did serve.
With audacious manoeuvres and bold might,
He claimed victory, shining so bright.
Behind him, canny navigators true,
Jollife and Troughton glided skilfully through.

Race five, to great heights they soared,
James Ross, a sirens' song, he roared.
With speed unmatched and elegance rare,
He left spectators in awe and despair.
Behind was Nils, a flash, swift and bright,
Securing second, in this glorious sight.

Race six, the grand finale drew near,
And Nils again set out with no fear.
With tactical brilliance, he seized the day,
Sailing triumphantly, beating Clive away.
Behind them, Dave Smart, a speed demon untamed,
Finally showed the prowess for which he is famed.
Steve Jones, steady and true,
Crossed the line next, his journey through.

Thus, the RS100 fleet displayed their might,
In the Salcombe Gin RS Summer Regatta's light.
Nils Jolliffe, crowned the champion, supreme,
Followed by Clive Eplett and Andy Jones, a memorable team.
In this tale of sailing and daring race,
They etched their names, leaving a trace.

Fair sailors, heed this wondrous tale,
Of the RS100 fleet, where heroes prevail.
In the spirit of Shakespeare, their deeds we share,
For in Hayling's waters, they created an affair.
Let their exploits inspire, both young and old,
As we celebrate their triumphs, stories untold.

So, let us bid adieu, with gratitude profound,
To Hayling Sailing Club, we are forever bound.
For the Salcombe Gin RS Summer Regatta's glory,
And the volunteers who crafted this story.
May the winds forever fill your sails,
As we embark on new adventures, with joyful tales.

By Mnsr ChatGPT (in the style of Shakepeare) - other bards are available.

Thank you to event sponsor Salcombe Gin and RS100 National Tour sponsor Rooster.

Overall Results:

PosSail NoHelmClubR1R2R3R4R5R6Pts
1st370Nils JolliffeNetley SC1412‑519
2nd509Clive EplettFrensham Pond212(UFD)8215
3rd172Andrew JonesChew Valley Lake SC43352‑717
4th145Nigel WakefieldNetley SC5248‑10625
5th523David SmartChew Valley Lake SC87‑1076331
6th130Stephen JonesChew Valley Lake SC‑128894433
7th373James RossNetley SC1161161(UFD)35
8th239Matt JohnsonWeirwood SC7571(DNC)DNC36
9th268Bart BridgenNetley SC1011547(DNC)37
10th379Mark HarrisonGurnard SC3136(UFD)3DNC41
11th156Nick CreakNetley SC‑131213109549
12th421Jeremy TroughtonNetley SC910123(DNC)DNC50
13th259Ian GregoryFrensham Pond699(UFD)11UFD51
14th366Tom HirstDowns SC14141411(DNC)DNC69
15th364Duncan BarrNetley SC(DNC)DNCDNCDNCDNCDNC80

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