RS400 open meeting at Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club
by Lester Mulligan 3 Jun 13:12 PDT
1 June 2019
RS400 open meeting at Yorkshire Dales © Paul Hargreaves Photography
The RS200 fleet were visiting Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club on the 1st & 2nd June as part of their Northern Circuit, so YDSC made the opportunity for the 400 fleet to enjoy a day of close fleet racing.
Eight 400s enjoyed four windward/leeward races: the first of the day in a shifty dying light breeze, but RO Phil Whitehead and team worked hard to reset the course for race two, as the breeze built in.
It was a great opportunity for two Yorkshire Dales rising young stars, just returned from excellent results at the Feva National Championships, to move up to bigger boats with, Oliver Rayner taking the helm in a 200 and Beth Miller helming a 400 for the first time. This resulted in some 'no holds barred' family rivalry with mum and dad, Morag & Martin Miller, who were sailing rather than supporting, for a change!
The fleet were well behaved with no black flags and only one race with a few individual recalls as a little more pressure just before the gun threatened to put half the fleet OCS.
Visiting Chris Pickles and Matt Sharman showed the local fleet how it is done with three bullets, followed by Richard and Bradley Green, who have only recently started sailing a 400, in second. Beth & Clive took a very creditable third, with Beth making full use of her light weight, Tera and Feva skills.
Paul Hargreaves Photography provided his usual excellent photographic record of a day enjoyed by all.
Chris thanked all at Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club for promoting 400 fleet racing, providing an excellent galley and facilities as always and the opportunity to enjoy great racing in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.