Shifts and swell define the fourth day of the 2025 Noble RS 200 National Championships… another huge three race day!
A grey and windy outlook from Abersoch beach had the fleet donning extra layers before setting out to the race area. The breaking waves on the shore were the first indicator that the sea state had switched up for the Thursday, and this suspicion was confirmed upon leaving the shelter of the moorings. Large swell from the southwest surged the fleet forward toward the start area, setting the scene for an epic showdown.
The first race got away swiftly with the front pack generally opting for an early start through the gate, mixing it up from the previous day’s strong right-sided favour. Quick out the blocks were McGovern and Whaley, leading the way to the windward mark having sailed hard left up the beat. Whiteley and Stanley were in quick pursuit with Darling and Darling rounding up the top three. Next, followed a tricky downwind. The breeze had dropped, but planing across the swell on starboard tack was simple in the bands of breeze coming down the course. However, downwind on port required more careful steering. With swell directly on the transom, it paid to switch between planing and surfing/ soaking modes. The following laps saw Whiteley and Stanley extend the lead, with McGovern and Whaley battling Hallam and Hill on the downwinds, finishing second and third respectively.
As the second race got away after a brief postponement, crews were pleased to be racing and getting the blood pumping! Again, early starts proved successful with teams making the most of a slight left shift up the beat. A very tight bunch arrived at the windward mark, led by Evans and Nieveen. After a brief reach across the top of the port-lay approachers, Evans and Nieveen, followed by Hallam and Hill led the fleet out downwind with an early gybe. The ever easing breeze had made the downwind even more hard work with helms steering the boats hard around the waves and maximising the most of the depth when surfing, contorting their crews into precarious and uncomfortable shapes! Evans and Nieveen extended their lead, seemingly whispering to the wind and summoning every gust they could find. The battle was tight on the final run Evans and Nieveen held on, Hallam and Hill finished up in second, with Goodey and Thomas finding some good wind on the right side downwind and ending up in third.
The final race got away quickly in 12 knots with patches of pressure hard to spot, however, a big shift led to a recall. The second start got away clear, but shortly afterwards the wind flicked right. With lots of the fleet committing early to the left side, a scrabble toward the right commenced. Close racing followed in choppy waters. Helms had to be careful not to oversheet the leech, and crews hiked hard. Clean lanes were never open for long, and this led to many boats being sailed right the way up to the port lay line. Pathfinders Darling and Darling were not caught out by the changing conditions, leading the race start to finish. Odell and Jameson sailed through the fleet to second place at the finish and Hammett and Hammett showing their lighter air speed to round out the top three in the race, completing the HISC 1,2,3!
Overall results at the end of the day are tight. Darling and Darling are left in a strong position (but not secured) going into the final day, but positions 2nd to 7th are all to play for, with only 10 points between! One thing is for sure, tomorrow could be anyone’s day, and with a great forecast, it’s time to rest up and get ready to race again!
Report by Henry Hallam
Photos Outwest
Results https://scyc.co.uk/race_results/rs200-nationals-2025/
