RS Aero Open at Spinnaker Sailing Club

Seventeen competitors took up the challenge posed by Spinnaker Sailing Club, just north of Ringwood in Hampshire, to take part in their inaugural RS Aero Open race event run by the club rear commodore (sailing) Tom Clay and his team of club volunteers.

The competitors, from clubs across the south coast from Warsash to Swanage, arrived to find glassy calm conditions on the pretty lake in the New Forest. The wind was forecast to strengthen during the day, so the 10:30 start was delayed until after lunch, with the first race starting at 13:10 as the southerly wind slowly started to build. A mix of all RS Aero rigs were present, the RS Aero 9, 7, 5 and three of the experimental RS Aero 6 rigs took part, all starting together in group handicap racing.

Spinnaker Sailing Club RS Aero Open - photo © Geoff Mills Bowers

Blashford Lake, where Spinnaker Sailing Club resides, is a typical large ex-gravel pit having two islands in it, where the winds tend to be shifty and gusty. The first race, in light winds, saw the fleet stretched out, as tactical decisions made finding the pressure and taking advantage of the shifts, saw the leaders pull away. Peter Barton, who had sailed at Spinnaker as a student, took line honours and the first race win in his RS Aero 9.

The wind built quickly during the afternoon, and the increased challenges at Spinnaker of both small shifts and gusts, tested multiple aspects of sailing. With the last race taking place in 11kn average wind speed, and gusts recorded at 17kn, the RS Aero sailors experienced tight turns, exciting gybes, and the thrill ride of an RS Aero accelerating onto the plane.

Spinnaker Sailing Club RS Aero Open - photo © Geoff Mills Bowers

With two 1sts, a 2nd and a 4th, Chris Jones (Sutton Bingham SC) in his RS Aero 7 managed to just pip Peter Barton (Lymington Town SC) to the top step, with James Rushden (Highcliffe SC) in his RS Aero 9 coming a very close 3rd place. Local sailor Jae Jones in his RS Aero 9 managed a creditable 7th overall, against a class opposition. 1st Master was Chris Jones, 1st Lady Iona Willows (Lymimgton Town SC) and 1st Youth was Alexander Mills Bowers (Poole YC). 1st RS Aero 6 was Sue Hunter after a hard fought tie break with Sarah Desjonqueres (both Highcliffe SC).

Many thanks to the Spinnaker SC volunteers for a fun day's racing and to Rooster for their support with the awards spread. The club intends to hold the event again in 2022 and hope that it will become a regular fixture in the calendars of the local RS Aero sailors.

Spinnaker Sailing Club RS Aero Open - photo © Geoff Mills Bowers

Next up on the RS Aero UK calendar is the End of Seasons at Broadwater SC on Saturday 30th Oct followed by the Bowmoor Bubble on Saturday 27th November.

See the RS Aero UK Events List here...

Overall Results: