CLOSE RACING, BLUE SKIES & SUNSHINE FOR THE RS500S AT THE NETLEY SC NATIONALS
Blue skies, warm sunshine and a gentle breeze welcomed 34 entries to the 2012 RS500 UK Nationals yesterday (Friday 30 August). This year the competition is being held at Netley Sailing Club in Southampton Water where everyone is able to camp, enjoy the beautiful surroundings and make full use of the waterside patio bar.
Race one got away in light wind conditions, but at least there was more wind than forecast with around 10 - 14 knots blowing from a northerly direction. Mike Saul and Meg Fletcher from Yorkshire SC had the best start getting off the line quickly and cleanly, followed closely by Francois Fung and Kate Forbes from Datchet Water SC. Staying true to this season’s form it was recent World Champions Tim Wilkins with crew Chris Tuckett from Great Yarmouth & Gorleston SC who rounded the windward mark in first position. Also from GY&GSC was Phil and Tamsin Highfield who rounded in second place followed by Greg and Paul Bartlett from Starcross SC who recently claimed bronze at the World Championships in Riva del Garda, Italy.
Tim/Chris kept their lead for nearly all three rounds, but Mike/Meg had incredible downwind boat speed and chased the leaders down, forcing them into a gybing match and getting ahead with just 20 metres to go before the finish line to claim first position. First female helm Amy Hulley crewed by Rob Burridge from Weir Wood SC picked their way through the fleet to finish in a well-deserved third position.
Despite the fact that there were three rounds the top ten crews finished within minutes of each other – it’s close racing at the top!
Even though a strengthening tide was pulling the competitors back from the start line at the beginning of race two most of the fleet was over the line and a general recall was called. Second time around and it was a clean, fast getaway for the competitors, particularly for the Dutch visitors Marleen Blomsma and Jody de Jager from Braassemermeer, Jon Partridge and Robin from Parkstone SC, and John Cooper crewed by Lawrence Gibbons from Burghfield SC. All were following Tim/Chris and Mike/Meg up the first beat, but it soon became clear that Saul had the fastest upwind boat speed. The tide came into play a lot more during this race and the majority of the fleet headed towards the shore up the first beat, including Mike/Meg. However, Tim/Chris decided to go left and waited for a lift to get up to the top mark. This tactic didn’t quite pay off and they rounded just behind Mike/Meg, who was first to round the windward mark and then their exceptional downwind boat speed kicked in and the leaders weren’t to be seen again. At the end of day one Mike/Meg had a solid lead with two first positions in the bank. Tim/Chris follow closely with two second places and Amy/Rob also put in a solid performance with two third places on the board.
At the end of the day everyone got together for a well-deserved BBQ by the sea and a chance to pick apart the day’s racing. The Vareo nationals are also taking place at Netley SC, so there are nearly 100 mouths to feed and Netley SC are doing a marvellous job with plenty of bacon baps and tea and cakes to keep us going. Two more days to go – let’s see what the weather brings!
Heather Martin
