RS500 Open at Gurnard Sailing Club

Gurnard RS500 Open © John Green

That only four boats finished the final race on Sunday fails to tell the story of what was a fantastic and challenging weekend enjoyed by eight crews at Gurnard SC. Alongside the club's annual championship, many of the usual RS500 suspects were joined by newcomers Richard and Abbie Bentley, a welcome addition to the class who I have no doubt will be amongst the front in no time.

Before any racing could be done, however, Emma and Luke McEwen's technical expertise was responsible for the discovery of damage to three boats, including their own (which had been previously identified). Fortunately, Michiel Geerling, sailing with Hilda Susante, had seen it all before and assured the affected crews that the damage was nothing too serious!

Gurnard RS500 Open - photo © John Green

Delayed by the missing sea breeze, racing got under way in the early afternoon on Saturday, with light winds against a strong tide for the first race. Luke and Will Bradley won the race with the choice to sail close to the shore and away from the supporting tide up the beat, demonstrating exceptional speed over the shortened course. Unfortunately for the title hopes of everybody else, normal service was resumed in race two as multiple World Champions Tim and Heather Wilkins were first across the line in increasing wind and turning tide. A tricky beat with all eight boats tacking up the shore to stay out of the flooding tide saw all the technical skills on display, clearly evidencing the work that all but the author's boat had been putting in over the winter.

As the sea breeze faded in the late afternoon, we headed in to prepare for a BBQ in the evening hosted by the wonderful volunteers and supporters at Gurnard, including those in the kitchen, behind the bar, and on the grill. Plates were piled high with beers and BBQ fare, and a lovely time was had by all, particularly when, late in the evening, England scored twice to secure their place in the knockout stage!

Gurnard RS500 Open - photo © John Green

Arriving at the club on Sunday it was clear that there was some serious sailing to be done. Breeze over 20kts in opposition of a very strong tide made for incredibly difficult conditions, with the wind continuing to rise throughout the day. Only four finishers in the first race, as a result of a couple of OCS scores, meant an unexpected victory for Hugh and Luke Watson, closely followed by Thomas and Samuel Leather. Sunday's brutal racing was brought to a close by a fittingly chaotic end, as both Thomas and Samuel, and Hilda and Michiel, unfortunately capsized at the final gybe of the weekend. Nonetheless, the brothers were quickly upright and cruised in to what they thought was 2nd place behind Tim and Heather, but upon going ashore news spread that the Wilkins pair had incidentally touched the finish mark, taken the penalty, and finished again in 3rd place. Though Tim and Heather were plenty far ahead to secure overall victory, Thomas and Samuel's first win of the weekend was just enough to slip into well-deserved 2nd overall, edging out Hugh and Luke Watson with three 2nd places to their name.

As a weary bunch of sailors made it ashore after 4 races, it was great to see plenty of smiles as stories of the day's adventures were shared. The weekend was certainly a reminder of the friendships within the wonderful RS500 fleet and we look forward to seeing as many as possible at the European Championship in Travemunde in a few weeks time.

Gurnard RS500 Open - photo © John Green

A special shout out to home crews Bob and Isla Preston, Luke and Will Bradley, Thomas and Samuel Leather, and Tim and Heather Wilkins for their wonderful hosting along with the rest of the club at Gurnard SC, who made all the visitors feel extremely welcome.

The prize-giving also saw the awarding of the 2025 Eurocup Trophy to Emma and Luke McEwen for their fantastic results over the last year.

Overall Results: