Noble Marine RS200 National Championship 2026 at Royal Torbay Yacht Club - Day 1

Noble Marine RS200 Nationals at Torquay Day 1 © Oli King

The 2026 Noble Marine RS200 UK Nationals is hosted by Royal Torbay Yacht Club who seem to have taken it upon themselves to host a record number of major sailing events in one season. Despite back to back championships, the RTYC committee and volunteers are keen, smiley, full of energy & most importantly totally organised.

Day 1 was looking concerningly light early doors, but the boat park was seemingly unphased & looking active. Manifested by this anticipation, & under the efficient rule of RTYC's beach master, the fleet launched into 8-10 knots & sunshine.

Noble Marine RS200 Nationals at Torquay Day 1 - photo © Oli King

The first race got off to a tricky start with an early general recall. Not too sure why, but only minimal boats were involved so we won't delve into the issue. The 2nd start got off without any dilemmas, a large proportion of the fleet headed left. Terry & Amelie Hacker rounded the windward mark in the lead, with our pathfinder Jamie Harris & Ellen Main following closely behind with a straight set. Ollie Evans & Zoe Nieveen in 3rd. By the leeward mark, Harris & Main had taken the lead which they extended the following lap to take the first win of the championship. Brendan Lynch & Ellen Clark climbed to 2nd with Ian Martin & Emma Hivey 3rd.

Noble Marine RS200 Nationals at Torquay Day 1 - photo © Oli King

In race 2, the pathfinder, Rory Odell & Henry Jameson slowly crossed the fleet in a lighter phase of wind, somehow failing to collect 11 boats before the start 'time out'. Meanwhile, Will & Erin Pank lead at the windward mark from the right side of the course. A tight group followed including Joe Jones & Angus McEwan; Martin & Hivey plus the pathfinder. It was neck & neck between the leading bunch, but it was team Pank that came out in front to take the win, Martin & Hivey 2nd with Odell & Jameson 3rd.

So overall winners of the Robline sponsored day one is Ian Martin & Emma Hivey on 5 points; the blue bib will go to Brendan Lynch & Ellen Clark on 11 points; the red bib will go to Rory Odell & Henry Jameson on 13 points.

Noble Marine RS200 Nationals at Torquay Day 1 - photo © Oli King

Torquay certainly delivered an action packed first day of the nationals (definitely more for some than others). Teams will be eager to redeem themselves in the quiz this evening and get some well earned hydration in before tomorrow.

Results after Day 1: