RS Aero Open at Papercourt Sailing Club

Papercourt RS Aero Open in 2017 © Papercourt Sailing Club

Twelve intrepid RS Aero sailors braved the tail end of storm Ali to compete in the Papercourt Sailing Club Open. By the morning of the event, the forecast had dropped to 'only' 10 knots, gusting 28, but things looked much calmer on arrival leading to much rig indecision. Eventually most of the fleet settled on a RS Aero 7 rig and were greeted on the water by a very indecisive breeze with 90 degree wind-shifts and some very hairy gusts.

Lightening reactions were needed to deal with the shifting winds with several capsizes on the first beat separating the fleet. Thankfully things settled down and the first race was won by Steve Cockerill, with Tim Hire in second place.

The conditions took a surprising turn in the second race with the wind dropping to practically nothing as a front came through. Steve again took the bullet, with Sarah Cockerill coming in second.

A hearty lunch clearly refreshed Sammy Isaacs-Johnson who built an unassailable lead from the first beat of the third race and finished minutes ahead of the rest of the fleet. Mark Carleton made the most of home advantage, coming in second and ensuring it would all come down to the last race.

With everything to play for, there was plenty of place swapping in the final race of the day. A couple of 720s kept it interesting right up to the last lap before Sammy I-J finally pulled away for a well-deserved win of both the race and the event. Mark took 2nd with Tim Hire top Youth in 3rd. Caitie Atkin sailed consistently through the day to be top Lady.

Thanks to Papercourt SC for another successful open and all the volunteers who braved the weather.

Next up on the RS Aero UK Events List is the UK Inlands at Chew Valley SC this weekend which this year includes the RS Aero UK Ladies and Masters Championship. With 50 entries already, including 17 Ladies, all is set for a great weekend’s racing with three good sized fleets.

Overall Results: