RS Aeros Northern Tour at Notts County Sailing Club

Fourteen RS Aeros, arrived at Notts County Sailing Club including visitors from three other clubs and four club female sailors were entered. The prizes were sponsored by Silverhook and Rooster.

Competitors were greeted by mild conditions and the forecast light WSW wind, with the promise of more in the afternoon. The club organises a single handed open for 3 classes, Aero, RS600 and Solo.

Lining up for the start during the RS Aero Northern Tour Open at Notts County - photo © David Eberlin

The 3-race event got off to a prompt start following a briefing by the Race Officer, Ross Ryan and saw local U19 sailor Hayden Moore (Notts County) take the win with Joe Scurrah (Carsington) second and Craig Williamson (Staunton Harold) third.

Following lunch and more wind forecast the format for the afternoon was two back-to-back races and as promised a little more wind came in from a slightly more southerly direction. The increase in wind saw close racing at the front of the field with the day's second race going to Joe Scurrah with Craig Williamson second and Paul Williamson (Staunton Harold) third. Very tight racing occurred across all the fleet with all on a 7 rig except a new junior (Cillian Dyne, Notts County) on a 5.

Close racing during the RS Aero Northern Tour Open at Notts County - photo © David Eberlin

For the final race, dark clouds appeared and rain which brought more gusts and the windward mark and course changed to reflect the changing wind directions. A reasonable breeze followed allowing the front runners to break away as the rain appeared and for a while providing some wind which unfortunately petered out for those further down the course to absolutely nothing, some getting towed home after finishing. Joe Scurrah again led the field home with close racing seeing Rebecca Ogden (Notts County) second and Hayden Moore third.

Overall, it was a great day of combining the open, with 18 RS600's and a small fleet of Solo's. The mixture of three fleets was no concern to the experienced RO and all competitors agreed it was a perfect combination with good banter and racing had by all, providing local sailors to test out their skills in a very competitive fleet.

1st Lady Rebecca Ogden during the RS Aero Northern Tour Open at Notts County - photo © David Eberlin

Prizes were awarded for 1st youth Gwyneth Lanyon (Notts County), 1st Lady Rebecca Ogden (Notts County) and 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall.

More photos at www.ncsc.org.uk/single-handed-open-23

Notts County looks forward to hosting the event, as part of the Rooster sponsored RS AERO Northern circuit in 2024 (date to be agreed).

Overall Results: