Rockshore / Bosun Bobs RS400 Winter Series at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club - Week 3

Sunday 17th of November brought a cool NW 13-18kts. Gerry and his team set a perfect windward leeward and rattled off three races. Race1 was a general recall and the committee boat wasted no time in getting the black flag out.

Second time round and it was a clean start from all. At the top mark it was tight enough with Bob Espey & Michael Ferguson leading with Peter Kennedy & Stevie Kane second and Ross Kearney and Andrew Vaughan in third after being properly schooled and rolled to windward by Bob Espey. It was a really slick move from the BYC lads by dropping the bow down a few degrees and lighting the afterburners and a simply flying by!

Then the main bunch was tight as usual with slick kite hoists giving opportunities for attacking the downwind. Race 1 finished with the top three staying the same throughout and a notable unusual performance from Uncle Liam bringing up the rear! According to Rick Liam found every lift upwind and tacked on them!

Rockshore / Bosun Bobs RS400 Winter Series 2024 Week 3 - photo © Tom Semple

Race 2 got under way and there were some casualties in this race. Bob Espey & Michael Ferguson again showed solid upwind pace and pulled clear, but some new contenders were in the podium spots. Patrick Hamilton & Sam Kelly from East Down kept the leaders honest all the way round while themselves keeping Jocelyn Hill and Rowan Berry at bay. Peter Kennedy & Stevie Kane and Ross Vaughan & Andrew Vaughan pulled places on the last run to secure fourth and fifth. This race had broken tiller universal joints, kickers and Simon Hutchinson even broke Ben Williams his crew!

Race 3 then kicked off with a few less boats and there was a big split upwind. Jocelyn Hill and Rowan Berry lead at the top mark followed by Peter Kennedy & Stevie Kane and Bob Espey & Michael Ferguson in third. A split downwind put Bob Espey into the lead and places changed on the final lap with Bob Espey & Michael Ferguson taking the win from Peter Kennedy & Stevie Kane and Ross Kearney & Andrew Vaughan just pipping Jocelyn Hill and Rowan Berry into 3rd. Liam Donnelly and Rick McCaig in fifth.

Rockshore / Bosun Bobs RS400 Winter Series 2024 Week 3 - photo © Callum Dallzel

Plenty of boats need fixing for next week and Dave Cheyne even has a shiny new trailer!

A big thanks must go to the RNIYC race organisers and rescue team smashing out three races with a lumpy sea state and a very chilly wind. We are looking forward to next Sunday already!

Series Results after day 3: