Rooster RS600 National Tour and Inland Championship 2026 at Notts County Sailing Club

Rooster RS600 National Tour concludes at Notts County © David Eberlin

The final event of the Rooster RS600 National Tour was held on 17th-18th October at Notts County Sailing Club, the event also serving as the Inland Championships.

Despite a few diary clashes, a fleet of nine boats gathered for a weekend of close, competitive racing, from as far afield as Warsash and Bowmoor. After the recent warm weather, the conditions changed into a cool northerly, but this meant the wind was steady and stronger than forecast, whilst adding a few spills it gave some great sailing.

Rooster RS600 National Tour concludes at Notts County - photo © David Eberlin

Sharing with the RS400s on a modest-sized lake, the need for both a windward/leeway course and a trapezoid meant some creative thinking from Race Officer Rebecca Ogden. Nevertheless, both fleets were accommodated, although the reaching finish two boat lengths from the bank called for the kind of precision manoeuvres not seen since Top Gun 2.

Saturday started fresh and breezy, with a slight ten minute delay as the wind shifted, but both fleets started promptly. In race 1, Jamie Mawson from the home club took the win, followed by two more locals, Jake Willars and Matt Potter. Jake and Jamie swapped positions in race two, with a consistent Matt third again.

Race 3 saw another win from Jake, with Neil Cooney from Carsington in second and Jamie third. Jake kept his momentum, winning Race 4 with Jamie second and local Simon Hibbert third. After a demanding day on the water, the fleet retired for a hearty meal provided by the club, and an evening of NCSC member Ross Ryan's tales of ocean racing.

Rooster RS600 National Tour concludes at Notts County - photo © David Eberlin

Sunday started early and cold, with slightly lighter winds but still some good gusts. In the first race Jamie took the win, with Jake second and Dave Lynall from Bowmoor third. Jake found his winning ways again in Race 2, with Matt and Simon just behind, leaving points close between Jake and Jamie for the final race.

Despite Jamie getting an early advantage, Jake showed great speed unwind and held Jamie off downwind, sealing the event.

Rooster RS600 National Tour concludes at Notts County - photo © David Eberlin

Congratulations to all the sailors, there were a few spills in those big gusts, some amazing personal achievements, some technical boat hitches and the odd moan about inland sailing, but you demonstrated some great and exciting sailing.

Thanks go to Rooster for the prizes and, of course, Notts County for putting on yet another great event.

Rooster RS600 National Tour concludes at Notts County - photo © David Eberlin

Rooster National Tour Final Results:

Notts County Event Results: