Noble Marine RS600 National Championship at Eastbourne Sovereign Sailing Club - Day 1

by Jamie Mawson 12 Sep 2024 23:57 BST 12-15 September 2024

A modest but high quality fleet of 17 RS600s gathered at Eastbourne Sailing Club for the Noble-sponsored national championships. With five current or former national champions in the fleet, it was bound to be a hotly contested event.

A shifty northerly wind dominated the day, giving many opportunities to gain or lose places.

Race one saw the defending champion, George Smith, take an early lead which was held to the finish. Behind George there were multiple places changes right up to the finish, including in the final moments when second placed Richard Smith gybed off to a mark that was not in the course, handing second to Jamie Mawson followed by Jamie Watson.

A long delay ensued while a squall passed through, bringing rain, high winds and a significant drop in temperature, leaving many regretting their summer wetsuits.

In the second race, Jamie Mawson was well placed off the line to hit a big left shift first, resulting in first place in a shortened race, ahead of George and Richard.

The fleet headed in for a delicious meal provided by the club, followed by an inspiring talk by local sailor Stick Daring on his round Britain exploits.

With George and Jamie tied on points for first, there's all to play for...

Results so far