Rockshore / Bosun Bobs RS400 Winter Series at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club - Day 2

Rockshore / Bosun Bob's RS400 Winter Series at the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club day 2 © Ellie Nolan

Sunday 9th November saw the second day of the Bosun Bobs & Rockshore RS400 Winter Series get under way. The overnight heavy rain had cleared to leave a bright and balmy day with a 10-12kt breeze from the south west, champagne conditions in comparison to the previous week. The dinghy park was a hive of activity with late arrivals getting masts stepped, final measurements and tweaks being carried out throughout the fleet.

With 13 boats launched, Gerry got the course laid and the first start sequence under way. There was a lot of jostling for position, the subsequent pushing and squeezing coupled with a few overzealous competitors resulted in a general recall. Gerry, as ever, wasn't taking any insolence and duly hoisted his black flag. The restart got under way and the black flag had the desired effect, with only two boats falling foul.

With variety of tactics employed to the first mark, against the outgoing tide, the inside track prevailing, Ross Kearney & Andrew Vaughan got around first closely followed by Jocelyn Hill & Rowan Berry, not too shabby for only being the 'B-Team helm'. The rest of the fleet was tightly packed and everything was to play for.

With some swapping of positions on the downward leg, the gate was a very sensible affair, with only Dr Hutchinson suffering any misfortune, with a jammed spinnaker halyard which unfortunately curtailed their days sailing.

Positions after the first lap were Ross & Andrew first with Jocelyn & Rowan following close in second and Gareth Flannigan & Knox Wilson in third. The second lap saw Gareth & Knox gybe out to the left and pip both Ross & Jocelyn to the bottom mark to claim first place with Peter Kennedy & Stephen Kane following up in fourth.

At this point, I have to thank to one of our main sponsors Mr Hastings, aka Bosun Bob, for reminding me that I have to go through the start line on every beat. Something which I had omitted much to my dismay...

The second start got under way with a lot of boats favouring port tack from pin end, with most being able to stay clear of the imposing starboard tackers, thought the gamble didn't really pay off and it was a pretty even spread at the first mark. Ross & Andrew arriving first with Gareth & Knox second, Paul & Adam Robinson in third. With a falling breeze, the positions mostly remained the same for the rest of the race.

It was nice to See Tom Purdon & Olivia Hayes and Patrick Hamilton & Sam Kelly in this race after their time spent on Gerry's "naughty step" following the first start!

With a quick adjustment to the line and the breeze picking back up a little, Gerry was punctual as usual getting the fleet away for the final race of the day. Adam and I got a (lucky) excellent start and made it to the top mark first, with Gareth & Knox, followed by Jocelyn & Rowan hot on our heels. The second beat allowed Ross & Andrew to squeeze past Jocelyn & Rowan to claim third.

All in all, it was a great day's sailing. Again, many thanks to Gerry and the rest of the Race Committee, the rescue boat drivers and their crews, along with the event sponsors and all of the folks at RNIYC without whom the event wouldn't be possible.

Hopefully, the fleet will increase next week as some boats were seen to be arriving whilst everyone was refreshing themselves in the clubhouse post racing.

Rockshore / Bosun Bob's RS400 Winter Series at the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club day 2 - photo © Ellie Nolan

Series Results so far: