Rockshore/Bosun Bobs RS400 Winter Series at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club

by Andrew Vaughan

Now in its 18th year, RS400 winter series continues to grow from strength to strength. The 2024 event welcomes the return of class stalwart Dave Cheyne, sailing with Susan McKnight. Dave was one of the founding members of the RS400 fleet at RNIYC and it is great to see he has returned with the same enthusiasm for the class.

Gareth Flanigan also returns to the fleet, along with new joiners Patrick Hamilton sailing with Sam Kelly and Zac and Callum Dalzell / Max Robinson. This is a really positive sign of the fleet growing ahead of the 2025 Euro Cup and Nationals to be held at RNIYC. There was even some chat yesterday of some other new boats / upgrades on the way, watch this space!

For day 1, the sixteen boat fleet was greeted with glass like sea which caused many to think we may struggle to get any racing.

Eager to get going, Patrick Hamilton was first to launch with the rest of the fleet following suit.

Race 1 got off to a slightly delayed start in 5 kts of breeze and a strong ebbing tide. Ross Kearney and Andrew Vaughan led at the windward mark with Rob Dickson and Mike Ferguson and Liam Donnelly and Rick McCaig in close pursuit. A few changes in positioning on the run and next beat made for a close finish with Ross, Rob and Liam making up the top 3. Hot on their heels were PK and Stephen Kane, followed by Bosun Bob, with only a boat length between the next 4 or 5 finishers. The closeness of all finishers shows just how competitive the racing is and how just a small mistake can prove costly.

Race 2 started in similar conditions with Rob and Mike leading at the windward mark. Ross and Andrew were 2nd around but split downwind favouring what looked like more pressure offshore. Unfortunately a lack of concentration on Andrew’s part led to Ross and Andrew infringing Ryan Wilson coming up wind (sorry Ryan and Rowan!) Liam and Rick capitalised on this mistake and the subsequent penalty and got ahead. Rob and Mike lead all the way around getting the win by 40 seconds.

Race 3, slightly more breeze but a general recall! Eager to get a 3rd race away, race officer Gerry Reid went straight to a black flag start. With the dying wind this race was only one lap. Veteran winter series competitor Brian Holmes sailing with new crew Rose White had a fantastic start and held the right side of the course. Rounding the windward mark in 5th place they split from the majority of the fleet downwind which paid off and an early gybe they managed to get inside Ross and Andrew and hold both them and Rob and Mike off for the win. Brian has competed in the 400 class since 2012, and his race win today was well celebrated by everyone in the bar afterwards, with some complementary drinks courtesy of Rockshore.

Thanks as always to the race committee and rescue team who make it all happen.

Week 1 Results:

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