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

Rockshore / Bosun Bob's RS400 Winter Series at the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club day 3 © Tom Semple

The winter has descended upon the RS fleet. Temperatures dropped, spray tops appeared, and hats were pulled firmly on. Patrick Hamilton and Sam Kelly were the first to launch, making fools of the rest of us as they burned off Sunday lunch in their dash to the start line - all before Gerry Reid could unleash one of his rapid-fire racing days.

The first start was contentious. A tight committee end left Liam Donnelly and Katie Nelson as the sole boat on the course side of the line. Liam, clearly equipped with a megaphone, tried to argue his case, but any comeback was muted by Gerry, who had donned his new super specks. Not to improve his eyesight, mind you, but to record his view on video. A terrifying new future awaits us all - Gerry with evidence!

A strong wind saw Luke McIlwaine and Ryan Wilson first off the blocks, with Gareth Flannigan and Knox Wilson, plus Ross Kearney and Andrew Vaughan, not far behind. Rob Hastings was snapping at their heels with his third different crew in three Sundays - Sam McLernon. The Laser super crew had his first taste of the raw power of the 400 and earned a glowing review from Bob.

On the course today we had guest Lyn Mutch from the RYA recording footage for the fleet. It's fair to say Andrew's commentary may need muting to make it safe for family viewing. Lyn's presence might also explain why, for the first time in 19 years, the windward mark was moved mid-race at Gerry's direction! Fast Frank (as he's now known) transferred his tractor-driving skills to mark-moving so quickly that none of the fleet even noticed.

Before heading out on the water, Lyn conducted a few land-based interviews. Neil Calvin and Sharon Corkhill happily volunteered. When the video is released, eagle-eyed viewers may notice that Neil completed the entire interview while holding an RS400 mast vertically in the air. This raises an important fleet debate: is Neil truly the strongest man in the RS400 fleet, or simply a cunning master of physics?

The following two races brought a mix of wind speeds, leaving crews well exercised. The racing remained tight, as shown when Liam called "windward" on Paul Robinson and Adam Robinson. Normally unremarkable, except this time Paul and Adam still had their kite up while attempting to reach the leeward mark.

Avoiding collisions with other RS400s is often the hardest challenge in sailing. Not so for youth crew Joseph Robinson and Dan Sherriff, who broke the status quo by colliding with a safety boat instead. Spoiler: not the quickest way round the course.

The final race followed the same theme as the day: constant checking of daggerboards and rudders for sticky seaweed washed down the lough by Storm Claudia.

Results of the day were now in, with Gareth and Knox leading, Ross and Andrew in second, and Luke and Ryan in third.

Will Findlay and John Gabbie had a solid day. One might suggest, however, that if Will wants to make the boat faster, he should abandon his ambition to turn the hull into an aquarium and sanctuary for fish, and instead embrace the radical weight-saving concept of a watertight boat.

Paul and Adam finished the day so overheated that they opted for a swim just ten boat lengths from the slip. At least, that's their story. We suspect Paul was simply keen to give his sails a thorough wash.

Finally, thanks once again to the fantastic safety crew, yes, led by Fast Frank. The race committee under "Sunnies-see-all" Gerry, and the bar staff, who ensured the fleet had access to its favourite watering hole.

Rockshore / Bosun Bob's RS400 Winter Series at the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club day 3 - photo © Tom Semple

Series Results so far: