Volvo Noble Marine RS800 National Championships - Day 1

Volvo Noble Marine RS800 National day 1 © Clare Sargent

Volvo Noble Marine RS800 National day 1 © Clare Sargent

The 2020 RS800 National Championships kicked off in great style with two hotly contested races in Portland Harbour under a warm September sun and sparkling breeze. The 24 teams include seven ex-National or European champions, four members of the British Sailing Team, four female helms and seven youths. Experience and wisdom are added to this mix by the eleven Masters (at least we'd like to think so).

Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy have worked hard with the RS800 and RS700 class committees to make the event happen after relocating here at short notice. It was clear that a great deal of thought had gone into the preparation and procedures so that this first RS800 event of the year could go ahead safely. The social side is muted by RS standards but just being able to race at all is very good for the soul, especially for those who have been recovering from illness or injury, or working on the Covid wards to save lives.

Race One started in 10-11 knots of wind from the SW. Despite lack of big fleet practice the fleet got away cleanly with only one boat OCS. Following the Saltonstall doctrine, most of the fleet headed left towards Portland Bill. Tom Morris and Guy Fillmore, winners of the Nationals last time the RS800s came here in 2018, tacked early so they were bows-out on the leading pack heading back to the starboard lay line. Their narrow lead at the windward mark turned into a substantial win by the finish. Meanwhile Hugh Shone, sailing with the previous Weymouth champion crew Fiona Hampshire, plugged away taking places all the way round to finish second ahead of new RS800 team Cam Stewart and Alice Masterman.

The race team led by Arky re-laid the course for the second race as the wind was clocking left as forecast, and building to a nice 12-14 knots, perfect twin wiring weather for RS800s. Again the front-runners at the first windward mark came in from the left. This time Hugh and Fiona nailed the port lay line spot-on, chased by FX sailors Megan Brickwood and Steph Orton. Tom Walker and James Curtis were looking good, holding pace with Tom and Guy, but both overstood and then found a cruising yacht blocking their way back down to the lay line. Hugh and Fiona defended well as current champions Luke and Emma McEwen tried in vain to catch them, while Tom and Guy pulled through to third.

Overnight Hugh and Fiona lead Tom and Guy by one point. There could well be opportunities for new faces at the front tomorrow with three races and a lighter and shiftier breeze forecast. Watch this space!

Results after Day 1: