RS Aero 5 and 7 UK National Championship & International Open at Tenby Sailing Club - Preview
by RS Aero UK Class Association 20 Aug 2023 01:54 PDT
20-25 August, 2023
RS Aero 5 and 7 UK National Championship & International Open © RS Aero UK Class Association
54 RS Aero 5 & 7s are arriving at Tenby, South Wales to contest the 2023 RS Aero UK Nationals. Tenby's vibrant town, welcoming sailing club and wonderful beaches will provide an excellent setting for the week long champs and the race area off the exposed southwest corner of Wales is sure to deliver some exciting racing.
The forecast is encouraging with a range of predominantly medium breeze conditions, ample sunshine and little rain. The two fleets are approximately equal in size which will please the Race Officer, Nigel Denchfield, when laying the start lines.
RS Sailing are providing charter RS Aeros which has enticed international visitors from Australia and Iceland.
A full social programme is arranged in Tenby's welcoming club on the harbour quay with Happy Hours all day, a Penderyn Welsh Whisky tasting evening, Disco and Band planned. The week kicks off with pre-event RS Aero coaching ashore which is great for both those new to the class and a recap and new take for those more experienced.
The RS Aero 7 fleet is sure to be hard fought with the whole podium of UK sailors from the recent World Championship in attendance which includes Peter Barton (Lymington), Jack Miller (Felpham) and Noah Rees (Torpoint Mosquito). Past UK Champion Tim Hire (Lymington) and past runner up Craig Williamson (Staunton Harold) will be in the chase too, along with visiting Australian RS Aero Champion, Gary Ratcliffe (Georges River).
In the RS Aero 5s last year's champion Jonathan Bailey (Hunts) is back to defend his title but is sure to be challenged by the ever improving Tom and Tristan Ahlheid (Frensham) and Sam Blaker (Thorpe Bay). Watch out for the past World Champs podiumers Andrew Frost (Sutton Bingham) and David Ellis (Lymington) not letting the younger sailors have it all their own way!
The Class looks forward to contesting the annual Club and Family Champs at Tenby. The Club Champs is awarded from for the best 3 combined overall results from each Club (6 qualifiers) and the Family Champs is for the best 2 combined overall results from each Family (7 qualifiers).
Racing starts Sunday 20th through to Friday 25th August, with 13 races scheduled and a mid-week lay day to enjoy the location to the full!
Results will be posted here when available.
Thanks to Rooster and Penderyn Welsh Whisky for their excellent support!