RS400 Scottish Series at Dalgety Bay Sailing Club

RS400 Scottish Series at Dalgety Bay © DBSC

Dalgety Bay Sailing Club was the setting for the final showdown of the RS400 2025 Scottish Tour calendar, and also the Scottish Championships. Anticipation had built in the fleet leading up to the weekend, and as Saturday dawned eight boats and crews were making preparations: old 400 hands, newer crews, and even some coaxed out of RS400 retirement.

The eighth boat only registered for the regatta at 8pm the previous evening, but the pro-PRO still managed to get a separate class start arranged. An unusual (for the 400s) windward-leeward / trapezoid combination course meant that even with light winds forecast, there could be some exciting reaching to be had, and so the stage was set.

With a bright start, and the wind just edging into double digits, the fleet launched. Despite the PRO's sage advice, Hester Robertson and Richard Hope (back on the water for the first time since 2022 nationals), left the slip sideways and followed the siren call to polish their foils on the rocks. Eventually remembering what the flappy things on the boat were for, they joined the rest of the fleet heading to the start.

With a starboard bias, the first start involved most of the fleet trying to squeeze into the space already occupied by the committee boat. In the ensuing commotion, Hester and Richard somehow managed an elegant tack-gybe-go manoeuvre to come out in front, and then held on to a lead around the first lap and back up to the windward mark. Being at the front hadn't been part of their plan. Unsure of whether they were heading back to the leeward mark or around the trapezoid, they decided to split the difference...until Hester decided she'd rather follow a dashing musto skiff downwind.

The rest of the fleet, who had actually read the sailing instructions, headed off around the trapezoid. Neil McLellan and "Iron Man" Keith Bedborough took the win, hotly pursued by series first-timers Mark Powell and Rachel Scarfe. The top 3 was rounded out by Angus Marshall, crewed by his dad Gavin.

Following a chilly wait to reset the course, race 2 began in a little more breeze. Mark and Rachel sportingly capsized in the start sequence to give everyone else more space, and the fleet otherwise got away cleanly. The 1st lap saw very tight racing. Hester and Richard again held the lead through the beat in light but changeable, gusty breeze. But by the time the fleet reached the trapezoid, Neil and Keith had edged ahead thanks to their downwind panache, and Angus & Gavin were also closing in. As the boats closed in on the final mark, they found it almost obscured by a swarm of D-Zeros.

Neil's shouts of "STARBOARD!" as he steamed in under spinnaker fell on deaf ears. Was it race focus, or actual deaf ears? Nobody knows. In any case, Neil and Keith ended up with a crash gybe on the mark, Neil fell over in the boat, and Hester and Richard seized the opportunity to sneak up the inside and bag the victory. Neil and Keith came in second, and Angus consolidated his 3rd place.

Amidst muttered accusations that Hester and Richard had been practicing while absent from the RS400, the 3rd race started with more breeze, and some choppy waves. The fleet separated off the start; the right hand side gaining an early advantage that was never lost. Halfway through the race the promised rain began and, in lowering light Neil and Keith again took the win, with Angus and Gavin in 2nd and Mark and Rachel 3rd.

Once dried off back at the clubhouse, a hearty meal was laid on and the day's racing discussed over a drink or two. In a fine show of good taste, Dalgety Bay Club sells Stewart Brewing's beers, who also sponsor the RS400 Scottish tour. Joining for the evening was Angus's potential future light-wind crew, though at only 10 days old it might be a little while until he joins dad or grandad in an RS400. Congratulations to Angus and Immy!

Racing by Forth Bridge - Annual Regatta at Dalgety Bay SC - photo © Norman Burns

Sunday. The rain had blown through overnight and it was a beautiful calm morning. But the AP only flew for a half hour before the breeze picked up and racing was back on. Angus's crew had had so much fun on Saturday, that he decided he didn't need any more, so Angus engaged the services of an urgent substitute flown in from the USA (albeit perhaps not specially for the event). Despite supposedly having been sailing "only once" before, her crewing was impressive.

Race 4 began in rather more wind than expected, and established a pattern that would become familiar. Mark and Rachel's practice on day 1 started to pay dividends, and they were hard to match. Their upwind speed was good, and their downwind speed was better. The result was a 1st for them, followed by Neil and Keith, and Angus and Mackenna. Hester and Richard, expecting light winds had reversed their usual lightweight de-power settings and, struggling to keep the boat flat, came in 5th behind Paul Dalby and Douglas Campbell, newcomers to the fleet for 2025.

Races 5 and 6 saw slightly reduced wind and a regular pattern established with Mark & Rachel, Neil & Keith, and Hester & Richard in the 1-2-3 slots for both races. The racing was very close throughout, but the boat speed Mark and Rachel achieved meant they kept gradually extending a lead. Special mention should go to Matthew Park and Daniel Clarkson, also newcomers for the 2025 tour, who showed some excellent upwind speed, leading on the water more than once, though not being able to convert that into podium positions. Ones to watch for next year?

Following an excellent buffet lunch, it was time for prize-giving. The closeness of the final results reflected the racing. Positions 1 & 2, and 3 & 4 were both decided on countback. The well deserved event win, and the Scottish Championship, went to Mark Powell and Rachel Scarfe, with Neil McLellan and Keth Bedborough in 2nd. Hester Robertson and Richard Hope rounded out the top 3, with each crew enjoying a crate of Stewart Brewing's finest.

As the last event of the season, the series prizes were also awarded. First place went to Neil McLellan, very closely followed by Angus Marshall (each with various crews). 3rd place went to RS400 veterans Stewart and Sarah Robertson.

A fine weekend's racing, as part of Dalgety Bay's very professionally organised annual regatta. Thanks to DBSC for hosting the RS400s, and as ever thanks to Stewart Brewing for generously sponsoring the series. The fleet was left eager for more next year.

If you are interested in trying out an RS400 then get in touch with the club rep as there is a Scottish demo boat available, and opportunities to come aboard and try some racing. Better still, maybe ask Santa for an RS400?

Annual Regatta at Dalgety Bay SC - photo © Ian Renilson

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