Noble Marine Rooster RS200 National Championship 2023 Runners and Riders
by Bethan Matthew 19 Jul 2023 19:23 BST
7-11 August 2023
We have less than three weeks to go before the 2023 RS200 Noble Marine Rooster National Championships hosted by East Lothian Yacht Club get under way.
This year's Nationals are set to be dressed in Scottish splendour, with almost 90 boats battling it out for the title. The social theme this year is outer space, so below I explore my top picks for contention by likening the teams to planets. This is not an exhaustive list and there are many potential meteors out there who could cause an upset.
Jamie Harris and Ellen Main, 1439 - Mercury
These two are my favourites for Youth Champions this year, and I expect them to be very competitive at the pointy end of the fleet in general. Mercury experiences extreme ranging temperatures and these guys can turn it on in an extreme range of conditions. They're well drilled and only just missed out on the top spot at the Youths, the perfect springboard out of orbit.
Brendan Lynch and Ellen Clark, 1739 - Venus
Venus is the hottest planet in our solar system and this pair are arguably the hottest pair on the circuit having picked up the title at the RS Summer Regatta at HISC at the end of June. Local to East Lothian and with a new hull fresh out of the mould, these two are on fire at the moment and are ones to watch.
Will and Matt Taylor - Earth
We rely on Planet Earth for our existence as much as we reply on our Chairman Will Taylor for spearheading the class and dedicating an extreme amount of love and time to our class. These guys are especially strong in the breeze and, being brothers, know each other inside out. Will and Matt have just received the delivery of their new ship which could make all the difference to their performance in East Lothian - let's see how take off goes!
Ian Martin and Emma Clarke, 1702 - Mars
These guys probably have more experience between them at 200 nationals than some people at the event will have years on Earth, not forgetting the fact that Ian is a former National Champion. We've not seen Ian on the circuit all year so let's hope he isn't rusty like Mars. These guys have bags of potential and I think they could be a big threat to title hopefuls.
Ben Whaley and Lorna Glen, 1700 - Jupiter
Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system, and these guys probably have the largest number of titles to their name this season which is reflected by the fact that they are current leaders of the Rooster Sailing National Tour. With Lorna in charge of all things organisation and Ben as captain of their ship, these guys are strong allrounders both on and off the water. Ben and Lorna are my ones to beat this year.
Steve and Sarah Cockerill, 1738 - Saturn
Steve and Sarah are sailing veterans. I've likened these guys to Saturn as I think their experience is represented by Saturn's many rings. Steve finished 8th last year when he was brand new to the class, showing great promise heading into this year.
Alex Smallwood and Callum Farnden, 1270 - Uranus
These guys are on top form heading into the Nationals having won the Summer Championships at Itchenor SC at the start of June. Uranus is a unique planet because it rotates on its side with its axis tilted almost parallel to its orbital plane. These guys are unique with their sailing fashion, swearing by wearing salopettes in all conditions and choosing cotton hoodies as their choice of waterproof spray tops. Maybe this is what aliens wear sailing? I'm intrigued to see if it helps them bring home the title.
Murray Hampshire and Phoebe Warren, 1215 - Neptune
Phoebe and Murray are probably the most chilled duo on the racetrack and Neptune is one of the coolest planets in our solar system. Cool, calm and collected, these guys are consistent and always a threat. They're speedy and nimble, just like Neptune's 1000 mph winds. I think these guys have a strong shot at the title this year.
Entry closes at midnight on 31st July, so there's still a chance for an outsider to come in and upset this solar system with the force of a meteor, or indeed for mere mortals to come along and view the spectacle from the outer orbits of the race track.
Full event details here.