RS200s at the Salcombe Gin RS Summer Regatta at Hayling Island Sailing Club

RS200s at the Salcombe Gin RS Summer Regatta © Phil Jackson / Digital Sailing

With the Masters RS200 fleet having got warmed up on Friday to begin their series, the rest of the fleet amassed at a sun-baked Hayling Island to form a red-hot fleet of 44 boats - the largest of the season so far.

I've been told to keep this report brief as there were so many RS classes at this regatta, however the weekend had it all and I love talking about RS200 sailing, so we'll see how we go (shut up and get on with it!).

RS200s at the Salcombe Gin RS Summer Regatta - photo © Phil Jackson / Digital Sailing

This regatta was a high-scorer. 22 teams scored at least one top ten result, and there were eighteen UFD/BFD scored.

We were treated to a South Coast classic of weather. The locals would call it "glamour" - sunshine and building sea breezes each day, with big puffs and changes in wind direction to keep things open and exciting.

RS200s at the Salcombe Gin RS Summer Regatta - photo © Phil Jackson / Digital Sailing

As the breeze built each day and the letters kept appearing on teams' scorecards, several protagonists fell away. Brendan Lynch and Ellen Clark were the epitome of calm focus throughout the weekend. They were easily the furthest travelled visitors, having driven down from East Lothian last week for the Itchenor Southern Championships. Clearly in the mood, Brendan and Ellen were the only team to score top five results, allowing them to discard their obligatory BFD. This was an impressive weekend of sailing in a range of conditions and resulted in them becoming RS200 Summer Champions.

Andy and Jill Peters followed them in second overall and Masters Champions - another fine example of consistent sailing.

RS200s at the Salcombe Gin RS Summer Regatta - photo © Phil Jackson / Digital Sailing

Mat and I managed to have a strong Sunday in the windier and wavier conditions to move from ninth to third overall.

The RS200 fleet showed its calibre this weekend, with all teams crossing the line on one another's transoms in every race.

RS200s at the Salcombe Gin RS Summer Regatta - photo © Phil Jackson / Digital Sailing

Thanks must be given to the Race Team who, on both days, had to handle big shifts in the breeze on a tight schedule. We were very pleased to have got the final race in before the deadline, despite the fleet's penchant for general recalls. The event was impeccably managed by all involved on the shore as well - thank you.

Thanks must also go to event sponsors, Salcombe Gin (delicious!), and RS200 Championship Tour sponsors Rooster Sailing with some very generous prizes of great sailing gear.

RS200s at the Salcombe Gin RS Summer Regatta - photo © Phil Jackson / Digital Sailing

Overall Results: