RS200 Open at Budworth Sailing Club

Budworth RS200 Open © James Prestwich

A record entry of 18 boats enjoyed a competitive day's racing with a South Easterly force 2-3 wind which held for the duration of the event. Race officer, Steve Heywood, was able to set a windward/leeward course between marks D and X which allowed for plenty of tactical moves and place changing both upwind and downwind.

Race 1 was won by top helm and crew, Chris and Evie Pickles from Bassenthwaite sailing club who showed lightning speed downwind to move up from 4th around the windward mark to lead at the first leeward mark. From there they sailed a flawless race and maintained their lead to the finish. Second place went to Jon & Wendy closely followed by Chris and Marie Smallwood, with Jon & Heather Ward never far behind.

Race 2 got under way on the second attempt after the fleet showed a bit too much confidence at the start. The black flag pegged everyone back for the second attempt. An extra lap in race 2 gave more opportunity for place changing. Chris and Evie led around the first mark and never looked back but the competition for the next 4 places was fierce. Chris and Marie came out on top with a second, followed by Bex and Sian and the ever consistent Wards in 4th.

Budworth RS200 Open - photo © James Prestwich

After a welcome lunch of soup and sandwiches prepared, as ever, by our amazing galley team, it was back out to a freshening breeze for the next two races. The race was lengthened to 4 laps of the same course and the fleet got away cleanly at the first start. Jon & Wendy had the bit between their teeth on this one after a disappointing result in race 2 and led for most of the race to take the win. There was a lot of sparring for second, third and fourth between Chris, Jon and Bex. Ross Southwell from Leigh & Lowton sailed an excellent race in his new boat to finish third. In his words "I never knew what it was like to be so close to the front". Well done Ross.

Going into the last race of the day it was still all to play for. Chris was leading but Jon & Wendy could take the win if they won the last race. The start was clean again and Jon & Wendy went first around the windward mark. Unfortunately, they got caught out by boats behind taking their wind which allowed Chris and Evie to sail underneath them and take the lead at the downwind mark. Like race 2, there was a good battle for second, third and fourth which allowed Chris and Evie to sail their own race and build up a healthy lead to take the win and the regatta.

All in all, a great day's racing in good conditions. Thanks to our sponsors Sailing Chandlery for donating prizes in addition to the bottles of wine presented by the club.

Overall Results: