RS500 Rooster National Tour and Training at Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club
by RS Class Association 7 Jun 2023 23:41 NZST
3-4 June 2023
RS500 Rooster National Tour at Bristol Corinthian © Emma Gilddon
The forecast blue skies, sun and some wind turned out to be true and the RS500 sailors that travelled up to Cheddar were not disappointed.
Saturday saw five races packed into around four hours, all thanks to the precision race management of Arkie and team.
With the breeze coming notionally from the gorge direction throughout, but plenty of differences in pressure over the course there was plenty of chances for gains to be made (and some losses when things didn't turn out quite so well).
The results turned out to show a consistent streak however with five race wins for Hugh Watson & Ian Mairs, a new team only paired for the first time at this event. Taking the third place helm and second place crew from the 2022 Worlds was always likely to be a winning combination.
A warm welcome must go to John & Fran new to the 500 fleet who have moved over from an extensive racing past in the 4000 class. They will surely be quick once they get to grips with some of the finer details of the class.
Sunday provided an opportunity for some coaching, where Ian Mairs took the three other boats through some three boat tuning on upwind and downwind legs. Let's hope that will make for some speed improvements for those attending the Noble Marine Nationals at Hayling in a little over two weeks' time.
Thanks to Ian for the coaching and to all the volunteers at Bristol Corinthian.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Sail No | Helm | Crew | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | Pts |
|---|
| 1st | 1746 | Hugh Watson | Ian Mairs | Emsworth SC | ‑2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| 2nd | 610 | John Cooper | Andy Maw | Burghfield SC | 1 | ‑3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 8 |
| 3rd | 803 | John Reynolds | Fran Howell | Grafham Water SC | 3 | 2 | (RET) | 2 | 3 | 10 |
| 4th | 1750 | Nigel Davis | Aaron Davis | Draycote Water SC | 4 | 4 | 3 | (RET) | DNC | 16 |