Class Association
This time in four weeks imagine the scenes: 120+ RS200s lined up ready to get underway for the first race of the 2024 Noble Marine Marlow Ropes RS200 Nationals. Between now and then: four weeks of boat work, final events and last-minute training for some. However, what’s the attraction to put all this work in now you may ask? Well one week, 10 races, a highly competitive fleet and a fabulous social scene at one of Britain’s most iconic sailing venues are some excellent reasons for most. What more could you ask for from a sailing event?!
Mounts Bay SC is a favourite of the 2s, having previously held national championships here in 2001, 2013 and 2016. Known for its prevailing South Westerlies and rolling waves, this is many people’s favourite sailing venue. Ben Whaley (winner of the RS400 Nationals hosted by Mounts Bay in 2023) says “Mounts Bay has a massive open bay for large fleets to play around in. When the wind comes off the land, it's far away enough to not be too shifty and patchy to ruin the racing, yet close enough to deliver key bands and shifts which bring the races alive, both upwind and downwind.” To make the most of Ben’s experience, make sure you sign up to the pre-event coaching on Sunday 4 August to make sure you’re as prepared for the weekend as possible.
Every year the club holds a national, european or world championship for competitive classes such as Merlin Rockets, GP14, Fireballs and Solos, so we have no doubt that we will get a top-notch race committee and fabulous event organisation. And the most phenomenal thing about it? The club is volunteer run! So expect a small and friendly club, welcoming us with open arms to their fabulous home on the South West Coast (think North Berwick, but the opposite end of the country…).
Five time Mounts Bay competitor and last year’s RS400 National Champion at this venue, Edd Whitehead, says “Mounts Bay is a super friendly, volunteer run sailing club. I first sailed an RS event there in 2001 and have not looked back since”. Edd has been at all 3 previous RS200 Nationals held at Mounts Bay, so knows what he’s on about. This year he will be returning once again, but this time with his nephew in the front of the boat and they can’t wait to get on the water: “The racing is first class and the bay provides an excellent sailing area.”
We’ve had some recent rumours of some sailors struggling for accommodation as the town is already booked up! If you have booked somewhere to stay that you are struggling to fill, then please let us know and we can put you in contact with those who may be looking! However no house, no problem! There is a local campsite just a short stumble from the clubhouse, on the edge of the small and friendly town of Marazion. Emma Hivey, 3rd in 2016 and 8th in 2013, has described it as: “Champagne sailing, excellent ice cream and a super friendly club plus a visit to the Mount and sand to rival Costa del Sol what more could any sailor want?” If this doesn’t tell you it’s worth it, Emma also made the 12-hour train journey from Brussels to Mounts Bay this past weekend for their Summer open.
If views of St Michaels Mount (plus a trip included in entry on the Tuesday night) and promises of dolphins doesn’t entice you, then what will?
Entry is open online so get your name on that entry list now! Previous winners here have been British Sailing Team members and household names of the sailing world and we can’t wait to learn who will be taking home the renowned title this year. Stay tuned for our runners and riders coming soon! Enter here
@rssailing #SailitLiveitLoveit #RSsailing #RoosterKit #InYourElement @RoosterKit
Happy #RS200sailing!
Cheers
Clare
