Noble Marine Rooster RS400 Nationals - Robbie Lawson to be PRO

Nick Craig and Keith Bedborough lead the RS400 Nationals © Alan Henderson

Robbie Lawson © Sally Campbell

East Lothian Yacht Club have announced that Robbie Lawson will be PRO for the Noble Marine Rooster RS400 National Championships at the club, form 8th-12th August.

Robbie is an epic big wind, big wave sailor and windsurfer; he regularly competes at National level in the RS Aero 9. He is an experienced Nationals race officer, with local knowledge and has officiated for the RS400 fleet many times at the club regatta.

This news comes, just a day before the deadline for competitors to be receive an event branded dry bag and be entered into a draw to win a Rooster 90l carry all for helm and crew.

The RS400 Nationals were held at East Lothian YC in 2004, won by the legendary Nick Craig, crewed by Keith Bedborough.

"Keith 'Silver Fox' Bedborough (didn't he used to be ginger?!) is back this year with Jamie 'Boy Wonder' Calder as helm looking to reclaim his crown.

North Berwick is a great place to sail and to holiday! On a good day, the waves are big and nicely spread out, the sun shines and the local bars are open late. Of course, Scottish weather is changeable to say the least but varied sailing conditions make for a true test of ability! The sailing club has always been very friendly and are focused on dinghy sailing so know how to run a decent sailing champs., which they have done many times for many different classes.

I may be biased in my affection for North Berwick because my Gran used to live a few doors up from the sailing club. Although my Gran never set foot in a boat, sailing was somehow clearly a Craig destiny! I have enjoyed many aspects of North Berwick - we did an Enterprise Nationals there in the early 90s where we used to have afternoon tea at my Gran's after sailing followed by a long night of beer and sleeping in the car for the week because I was broke - best my dear old Gran didn't know some things!

There is plenty to do for all the family with a beach, vibrant town or for the energetic, a walk up the local mountain ("The Law" - used to be a Boxing day chore when we visited the relatives!). The town has developed a lot in recent years with traditional pubs surviving but mixed with trendy coffee shops and the usual high street chains. And of course, Edinburgh is pretty near for more culture or a big night out. So there is something for everyone at North Berwick and I'd thoroughly recommend a visit for the RS400 Nationals in 2022 !"

Full details, NoR and entry pages can be found on the RS400 Class Association event website. Have a look and see why sailors such as Keith return 18 years on from that epic 2004 Nationals.