Mercedes Benz Belfast RS400 Eurocup and Noble Marine UK/Irish Nationals - Days 1 & 2

Mercedes Benz Belfast RS400 Eurocup and Noble Marine UK/Irish Nationals © Thomas Anderson / www.sdsphoto.pro

The prestigious RS400 Championships at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club got off to a ferocious start before a single start gun had even sounded.

Day 1: Grounded by gales

Racing on Monday was abandoned faster than a port tack lay line, as gusts hit 72 mph and Belfast Lough resembled more of a washing machine on turbo spin than a racecourse. With many planes grounded at Belfast Airport, it was clear the only thing flying would be the scones in the clubhouse. The fleet wisely kept boats strapped down, and with the wind howling and white horses galloping past the slipway, many sailors headed off to visit the Titanic Museum, keen to learn about disasters that made even less headway than they would have on the water.

Ollie Groves and Esther Parkhurst - Mercedes Benz Belfast RS400 Eurocup and Noble Marine UK/Irish Nationals - photo © Thomas Anderson / www.sdsphoto.pro

Day 2: Wind, drama, and a statement win

Tuesday brought more promising but still challenging conditions. After a three-hour postponement, the breeze dropped to a more sailable 18-26 knots, and the race officer seized the chance to get the championship under way with Race 1.

One team seized it earlier than most. Robert Espey and Michael Ferguson from Ballyholme Yacht Club confidently launched wearing 1st place bibs before a single other boat had hit the slipway, an audacious move on home waters that raised a few eyebrows. But the locals delivered the goods in spectacular fashion, leading from start to finish to claim a dominant bullet and throw down an early marker in front of a watching fleet.

Behind them, Chris Eames and Rachel Tiley from Queen Mary Sailing Club, had to fight back from a difficult position after being OCS at the start. Returning and restarting cleanly, they showed impressive speed to carve their way back through the fleet and take second place.

Ollie Groves and Esther Parkhurst flying - Mercedes Benz Belfast RS400 Eurocup and Noble Marine UK/Irish Nationals - photo © Thomas Anderson / www.sdsphoto.pro

Ollie Groves and Esther Parkhurst, from Beaver Sailing Club crossed the line in third, sailing a composed and quick race.....until the OCS board delivered the bad news. Their premature start handed the final podium place to Robert Dickson and Adam Hyland, from Howth Yacht Club who had been in the chasing pack all race and capitalised to move up to third overall.

Robert Espey and Michael Ferguson - Mercedes Benz Belfast RS400 Eurocup and Noble Marine UK/Irish Nationals - photo © Thomas Anderson / www.sdsphoto.pro

The challenging breeze also took its toll on the rest of the fleet. A significant number of boats overstood the first leeward gate, resulting in screaming reaches back in, which the event photographer was perfectly positioned to capture.

Further back, conditions got even spicier. There were some spectacular capsizes, none more theatrical than that of youth team Andrew and Leon Mullaly, who managed to synchronise a double dive through both the mainsail and the kite in what could only be described as artistic dismounting. Their entry for "most committed exit" is currently unchallenged.

Jacob and Kayeligh Ainsworth - Mercedes Benz Belfast RS400 Eurocup and Noble Marine UK/Irish Nationals - photo © Thomas Anderson / www.sdsphoto.pro

Beyond the action on the water, the fleet has been treated to the warmest of welcomes ashore. Royal Northern Ireland Yacht Club has proven to be an exceptional host, offering not just stunning views of Belfast Lough but also top-tier hospitality. From excellent food to silky cold pints of Guinness, the club has gone above and beyond to make sailors feel at home. Special thanks must go to Race Director Gerry Reid, several competitors are wondering if Gerry is also available to organise their weddings and house moves. If the rest of the week lives up to this start, we're in for a cracking championship.

Results after Day 2: