RS Aero Irish Eastern Championship at Howth Yacht Club
by Paul McMahon 2 Nov 2022 17:41 AEDT
29-30 October 2022
RS Aero Irish Eastern Championship © Howth Yacht Club
The growing Irish RS Aero fleet closed out its summer season with a blustery Eastern Championships in Howth Yacht Club. Thrills, spills and tactical racing were order of the day. Shifting winds and strong tide for the competitors to think about while trying to keep the boat upright! The strong entry of 18 RS Aeros saw a few 'no shows' due to the fresh autumnal conditions.
Top UK RS Aero sailor Peter Barton led a pre-event coaching day on Friday. It's a testament to the International RS Aero community how generous the top sailors are in sharing their tips for success. The takeaway from this, with a focus on breezy weather in anticipation of the weekend, was that there is no substitute for time in the boat - not a hard sell with the RS Aero!
Racing was postponed on Saturday due to torrential rain and blustery winds. Sunday provided champagne conditions to complete 4 races. Racing was held in the Sound close to Ireland's Eye where it was important to be aware of the tidal flow.
Local sailor Paul McMahon showed some good late season form, taking 3 wins from 4 races. Racing was very close and the overall result was still up for grabs on the last beat of the last race. Peter Barton (2nd) getting caught out of the tide and on the wrong end of a wind shift allowed Paul to take the final race and title.
Irish Champion Daragh Sheridan finished in 3rd, one point behind Peter, with a seriously consistent score-line never outside the top 3. Visiting Dublin Bay and Strangford sailors Noel Butler and Hammy Baker rounded out the top 5. With the top 3 all in RS Aero 7s Noel claimed the 1st RS Aero 6 accolade. First Master from Greystones in his RS Aero 6 rig was Roy Van Maanen and new RS Aero owner Abby Kinsella took first Youth and Lady.
Full results available here.
Thanks to all involved in running the event, INSS providing spares, support and prizes, Rooster Sailing providing plenty of goodies and Howth Yacht Club for providing top class hospitality.
With the change of season it is now 'Frostbite' time in Ireland with good RS Aero fleets within the frostbite series at each of Howth, Dun Laoghaire and Ballyholme in the north.