Sandy beaches, lively parties and a seaside dose of Scottish splendour, the Noble Marine Rooster RS200 National Championships 2023 has kicked off today with 90+ boats rigging up for a week of racing.
The regatta is being held at East Lothian Yacht Club on the Firth of the Forth with the impressive volcanic-plug island Bass Rock as a backdrop. The sweeping sandy beaches make launching relatively relaxed and the strong sea breeze combined with the North Sea waters of the estuary make for splendid sailing conditions. Wind over tide can kick up some challenging chop, so expect a lot of excitement and a bit of surf too.
Off the water, the famous RS200 socials are also set for a great week. A big Scottish welcome takes place tonight with haggis, neeps and tatties at the club before crews head off to enjoy some dancing at a Ceilidh venue (tartan outfits encouraged). Tuesday night will host the Masters’ meal at the Fringe by the Sea Festival or participants can head into Edinburgh and explore.
Wednesday evening is the BIG fancy dress party. This year’s theme is ‘outer space’ and we can’t wait to see what weird and wonderful homemade creations will be worn to the party. Aliens, spaceships, astronauts – we’re sure the experience will be outer this world!
The RS200 AGM will be held on Thursday evening and the Friday Finals will be followed by a black tie championship dinner, prize giving, hog roast and live band.
Following on from a wonderful fundraiser at the RS400 National Championships last week, the RS200 Class Association are also proud to support the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. A talk and raffle will be held at the RS200s championship dinner on behalf of the charity.
Throughout the week the class will also be handing out the ‘Duckhams Dresses’ award – a prestigious daily honour awarded to those who have grossly underachieved. For example; lost sailing kit or those forgetting to do up their bung. The prize? Two of the finest dresses from a local charity shop to be worn to the dinghy park in the morning and on the water too. Daily nominations can be submitted by DMs to the RS400 social media pages.
With 5 days of racing and spectacular socials, it’s going to be a great week. Wishing luck to all the competitors (both in the regatta and the fancy dress). You can find the daily racing results here.
