RS Aero Open at Papercourt Sailing Club

2021 Papercourt RS Aero Open © Peter Snow

Mirror-calm conditions and bacon butties welcomed 22 RS Aeros on arrival at Papercourt's fourth RS Aero open and there was much rig-swapping as competitors up-sized to suit the conditions for the best day's racing. Thankfully, the breeze lived up to the forecast and filled in just in time for the first start.

Race 1 saw Sam Mettam sailing an RS Aero 7 demonstrate his local knowledge and how readily he has taken to his first season in RS Aeros staying with the RS Aero 9s all the way to the finish and winning with a comfortable margin on handicap.

2021 Papercourt RS Aero Open - photo © Peter Snow

In Race 2, Gareth Griffiths was first over the finish line in an RS Aero 9, but the locals looked to have it sewn up again on handicap with Mark Carleton and Sam Mettam rounding the last mark only seconds behind. However, Sam tried a little too hard to get passed Mark and ended up doing two(!) lots of turns giving Abby Hire an opportunity to sneak through into third.

Time for a refuelling stop and the combination of the ever-friendly RS Aero fleet, Papercourt's warm hospitality and generous provisions made for a very convivial lunch.

2021 Papercourt RS Aero Open - photo © Peter Snow

Back on the water for Race 3 and everyone remained very friendly and relaxed and most of the fleet were miles behind the line on the gun! The fleet was incredibly close for a lap and a half before Tim Hire showed why he is national champion, put his foot down and gained a full two minutes on the rest of the fleet.

In the final race of the day, the breeze picked up significantly making things a bit tougher for the RS Aero 9s. But nothing could stop Tim from claiming a second bullet and first place overall. Claire Power got her best result of the day with a 10th to take the prize for first RS Aero 5.

2021 Papercourt RS Aero Open - photo © Peter Snow

Finally ashore for trophies and copious quantities of cake! Congratulations to Tim Hire, 1st RS Aero 9 and 1st overall, Sam Mettam 1st RS Aero 7, Claire Power 1st RS Aero 5, Tom Ahlheid 1st Youth, Gareth Griffiths 1st Master and Abby Hire 1st Lady.

Thanks to Fraser Hayden and team for running a slick event on the water and to Jill Hamment and the galley crew for the fabulous spread.

Next up for the UK's RS Aeros is the Royal Lymington Open on Saturday 9th Oct followed by the RS Aero Inland Championship at Draycote on 16/17th Oct.

RS Aero UK events list available here.

Overall Results: