RS Sailing
Premier Way, Abbey Park
Romsey Hampshire SO51 9DQ
01794 526760
RS Sailing
Premier Way, Abbey Park
Romsey Hampshire SO51 9DQ
01794 526760

RS800 National Champs 2020 Runners and Riders

September 11, 2020
RS800

By Dan Goodman

Well I have lucked in to do the runners and riders, I have fewer teams to critique this year. Let’s have a look at the crews who regularly find themselves at the front of a championship.

Luke and Emma McEwen – Anyone who has any interest in the RS800 probably know these two.  Multiple National and European champions, their preparations for this year’s championships involved cruising around the south of England in their yacht.  Having done exactly one race in the last 6 months I hope they don’t try to stow a nice bottle of red or cups of tea down below for afters.  In their favour is boat speed to burn and many years of experience to draw from.  I suspect they will still appear at the sharp end come the end.

Tom Morris and Guy Fillmore – Our media wizzes with textbook technique.  Responsible for bringing a new level of video analysis to training, bimbling, honing techniques and then telling the rest of the world how to do it.  My pick for leading the event from race one so long as we don’t have less wind than forecast or they have to make a last minute call to go above or below a slower boat when it’s breezy.

Hugh Shone and Fiona Hampshire – Good looks, talent and charisma, these two could be the poster crew. They also have been on the podium before, just not with each other.  Been seen practicing and know how to make an RS800 go very fast, this team should be in the silverware.

Phil Walker and John Mathers – Can’t remember the last time these guys did an event together and may not have sailed together since.  It probably won’t matter.  Pick your cliché, ‘Speed to burn’, ‘Forgotten more than I’ll ever know’, ‘How much did you weigh?’ or ‘we’re launching in 15, where are they?’.  Covid may prove a useful ally as without late night socials or nightclubs they might make the start line every day.

Megan Brickwood and Steph Orton – No RS800 nationals is complete without some young Olympic hopefuls having a relaxing few days’ sailing with the amateurs.  Steph is an RS800 nationals regular and took 2nd spot last year, can she go one better this year with her 49erFX teammate?  Or is it all about a relaxing weekend with her dad and sister?

Rob Gullan and Mari Shepherd – Whatever you do don’t mention spreaders.

Cameron and Darrol Moss – Blisteringly fast when upright, especially when the waves are up.  Tend to struggle a little at the championships so the smaller fleet might suit them perfectly.  Fast enough to win races, will this year be that time or will the flat water of Weymouth Harbour stop them from showing their ‘win it or bin it’ potential?

James Penty and Eddie Grayson –Showing us southerners that they do sail RS800s in the North and sail them fast and well.  The ability to consistently bang in single digit results should see these guys in the prizes.  But then I have said that about all the other crews too.  Some of them are going to miss out.  But probably not these two.  Maybe.

Ralph Singleton and ….. Mike Chapmoan? – It’s hard to not say Ralph and Sophie isn’t it!  Ralph levels with Andy Jeffries as the helm who has competed in the most Nationals this year.  Don’t make the mistake of thinking Ralph is just making up the numbers though, he is rapid and not afraid of a port tack start.  Even if it isn’t on.  Probably best to duck him instead of calling to be honest.  Sailing with a friend instead of family this year the form book is yet to be written.

Ben Palmer and Bruna de Queiroz – Another new pairing for this year, Ben has proved before that a new crew doesn’t slow him down.  Fast enough to take race wins but possibly lacking consistency to challenge for the podium.  Again we will have to wait and see!

The Unknowns
Of course all of the above could be blown away by one of the new teams this year, of which I am happy to say we have plenty.  Nine boats are coming from Hayling Island SC which is amazing, tips on how to grow a fleet anyone?  Big thanks to WPNSA for hosting us at very short notice – we are very fortunate to be able to have the event.  Here’s looking forward to a slightly smaller but just as brilliant Volvo and Noble Marine RS700 and RS800 national championship in association with Hyde Sails.

SUBSCRIBE

  • Sign up for RS stories, offers, epic wipeout videos and much more!
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Why the RS Zest is the Ultimate Choice for Sailing Training

At RS Sailing, innovation drives everything we do. That’s why we designed the RS Zest with one purpose in mind: to make learn-to-sail programs more effective, enjoyable, and accessible. Here are the...

The Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club announce that Mercedes Belfast will be the title sponsor of the RS400 Eurocup & National Championship

The Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club is delighted to announce that Mercedes Belfast, in association with the Agnew Group, will be the title sponsor of the RS400 Eurocup and UK/Irish Nationals, set...

Australian Sailing & Sailing Raceboats announce partnership

Australian Sailing & Sailing Raceboats, our RS Dealer in Australia, announce their new partnership with the clear goal of expanding opportunities for sailing participation in Australia. The...

The Evolution of the RS Catamaran Range: A Journey of Design, Innovation, and Multihull Success

At RS Sailing, the pursuit of creating world-class catamarans began over a decade ago, with a vision to develop boats that were not only fun to sail but also offered exceptional engineering and...

7th RS Aero World & Youth World Championship – Entry now open!

The International RS Aero Class Assoication are excited to confirm that online entry is now open for the 7th RS Aero World & Youth World Championship!   Head to the event page for full...

Share Your RS Quest Photo: Enter the 10-Year Anniversary Competition!

The RS Quest has been an integral part of the sailing community for a decade, and 2025 marks 10 years of training adventures, personal stories, and fun family moments on the water. As we celebrate...

RS Fest Miami 2025

RS Fest Miami 2025 promised a true celebration of all things RS, and it didn't disappoint! From Friday, March 28th, to Sunday, March 30th, the RS Tera, RS Feva, RS Aero, and RS21 fleets, absolutely...

RS Fest Miami 2025 – The celebrations have started and racing kicks off tomorrow

Racing at RS Fest Miami kicks off in the morning, with festivities already in full swing at Coconut Grove Sailing Club. Sailors have been taking part in the pre-regatta clinics, gaining...

Rooster, a brand born from a love of dinghy sailing, sponsors RS Fest Miami

RS Sailing are excited to announce a new event sponsor onboard for RS Fest Miami 2025, a brand born from a love of dinghy sailing, Rooster. The second edition of RS Fest Miami, our multi-class...

The Eric Twiname Trust RS Tera & RS Feva Scheme 2025

RS Sailing is honoured to collaborate with the Eric Twiname Trust again in 2025 for the 14th RS Tera ET Scheme and the 1st RS Feva ET Scheme to facilitate junior racing classes...

The Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club announce that Mercedes Belfast will be the title sponsor of the RS400 Eurocup & National Championship

The Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club is delighted to announce that Mercedes Belfast, in association with the Agnew Group, will be the title sponsor of the RS400 Eurocup and UK/Irish Nationals, set...

Australian Sailing & Sailing Raceboats announce partnership

Australian Sailing & Sailing Raceboats, our RS Dealer in Australia, announce their new partnership with the clear goal of expanding opportunities for sailing participation in Australia. The...

The Evolution of the RS Catamaran Range: A Journey of Design, Innovation, and Multihull Success

At RS Sailing, the pursuit of creating world-class catamarans began over a decade ago, with a vision to develop boats that were not only fun to sail but also offered exceptional engineering and...

7th RS Aero World & Youth World Championship – Entry now open!

The International RS Aero Class Assoication are excited to confirm that online entry is now open for the 7th RS Aero World & Youth World Championship!   Head to the event page for full...

Share Your RS Quest Photo: Enter the 10-Year Anniversary Competition!

The RS Quest has been an integral part of the sailing community for a decade, and 2025 marks 10 years of training adventures, personal stories, and fun family moments on the water. As we celebrate...

RS Fest Miami 2025

RS Fest Miami 2025 promised a true celebration of all things RS, and it didn't disappoint! From Friday, March 28th, to Sunday, March 30th, the RS Tera, RS Feva, RS Aero, and RS21 fleets, absolutely...

RS Fest Miami 2025 – The celebrations have started and racing kicks off tomorrow

Racing at RS Fest Miami kicks off in the morning, with festivities already in full swing at Coconut Grove Sailing Club. Sailors have been taking part in the pre-regatta clinics, gaining...

Rooster, a brand born from a love of dinghy sailing, sponsors RS Fest Miami

RS Sailing are excited to announce a new event sponsor onboard for RS Fest Miami 2025, a brand born from a love of dinghy sailing, Rooster. The second edition of RS Fest Miami, our multi-class...

The Eric Twiname Trust RS Tera & RS Feva Scheme 2025

RS Sailing is honoured to collaborate with the Eric Twiname Trust again in 2025 for the 14th RS Tera ET Scheme and the 1st RS Feva ET Scheme to facilitate junior racing classes...

RS Sailing Store – 15% off any combo of racing sails with early-bird nationals entry

The RS Sailing Store is proud to support the UK RS Class Associations, and this year, they are sharing an exclusive offer of 15% off* any combo of racing sails to all sailors who enter and pay for...

Australian Sailing & Sailing Raceboats announce partnership

Australian Sailing & Sailing Raceboats, our RS Dealer in Australia, announce their new partnership with the clear goal of expanding opportunities for sailing participation in Australia. The...

The Evolution of the RS Catamaran Range: A Journey of Design, Innovation, and Multihull Success

At RS Sailing, the pursuit of creating world-class catamarans began over a decade ago, with a vision to develop boats that were not only fun to sail but also offered exceptional engineering and...

7th RS Aero World & Youth World Championship – Entry now open!

The International RS Aero Class Assoication are excited to confirm that online entry is now open for the 7th RS Aero World & Youth World Championship!   Head to the event page for full...

Share Your RS Quest Photo: Enter the 10-Year Anniversary Competition!

The RS Quest has been an integral part of the sailing community for a decade, and 2025 marks 10 years of training adventures, personal stories, and fun family moments on the water. As we celebrate...

RS Fest Miami 2025

RS Fest Miami 2025 promised a true celebration of all things RS, and it didn't disappoint! From Friday, March 28th, to Sunday, March 30th, the RS Tera, RS Feva, RS Aero, and RS21 fleets, absolutely...

RS Fest Miami 2025 – The celebrations have started and racing kicks off tomorrow

Racing at RS Fest Miami kicks off in the morning, with festivities already in full swing at Coconut Grove Sailing Club. Sailors have been taking part in the pre-regatta clinics, gaining...

Rooster, a brand born from a love of dinghy sailing, sponsors RS Fest Miami

RS Sailing are excited to announce a new event sponsor onboard for RS Fest Miami 2025, a brand born from a love of dinghy sailing, Rooster. The second edition of RS Fest Miami, our multi-class...

The Eric Twiname Trust RS Tera & RS Feva Scheme 2025

RS Sailing is honoured to collaborate with the Eric Twiname Trust again in 2025 for the 14th RS Tera ET Scheme and the 1st RS Feva ET Scheme to facilitate junior racing classes...

RS Sailing Store – 15% off any combo of racing sails with early-bird nationals entry

The RS Sailing Store is proud to support the UK RS Class Associations, and this year, they are sharing an exclusive offer of 15% off* any combo of racing sails to all sailors who enter and pay for...

10 days to go – RS Fest Miami 2025

It's just 10 days until RS Fest Miami 2025! RS Fest Miami is a three-day regatta, celebrating the RS Sailing racing classes in North America! Hosted by Coconut Grove Sailing Club, regatta racing...

The Evolution of the RS Catamaran Range: A Journey of Design, Innovation, and Multihull Success

At RS Sailing, the pursuit of creating world-class catamarans began over a decade ago, with a vision to develop boats that were not only fun to sail but also offered exceptional engineering and...

7th RS Aero World & Youth World Championship – Entry now open!

The International RS Aero Class Assoication are excited to confirm that online entry is now open for the 7th RS Aero World & Youth World Championship!   Head to the event page for full...

Share Your RS Quest Photo: Enter the 10-Year Anniversary Competition!

The RS Quest has been an integral part of the sailing community for a decade, and 2025 marks 10 years of training adventures, personal stories, and fun family moments on the water. As we celebrate...

RS Fest Miami 2025

RS Fest Miami 2025 promised a true celebration of all things RS, and it didn't disappoint! From Friday, March 28th, to Sunday, March 30th, the RS Tera, RS Feva, RS Aero, and RS21 fleets, absolutely...

RS Fest Miami 2025 – The celebrations have started and racing kicks off tomorrow

Racing at RS Fest Miami kicks off in the morning, with festivities already in full swing at Coconut Grove Sailing Club. Sailors have been taking part in the pre-regatta clinics, gaining...

Rooster, a brand born from a love of dinghy sailing, sponsors RS Fest Miami

RS Sailing are excited to announce a new event sponsor onboard for RS Fest Miami 2025, a brand born from a love of dinghy sailing, Rooster. The second edition of RS Fest Miami, our multi-class...

The Eric Twiname Trust RS Tera & RS Feva Scheme 2025

RS Sailing is honoured to collaborate with the Eric Twiname Trust again in 2025 for the 14th RS Tera ET Scheme and the 1st RS Feva ET Scheme to facilitate junior racing classes...

RS Sailing Store – 15% off any combo of racing sails with early-bird nationals entry

The RS Sailing Store is proud to support the UK RS Class Associations, and this year, they are sharing an exclusive offer of 15% off* any combo of racing sails to all sailors who enter and pay for...

10 days to go – RS Fest Miami 2025

It's just 10 days until RS Fest Miami 2025! RS Fest Miami is a three-day regatta, celebrating the RS Sailing racing classes in North America! Hosted by Coconut Grove Sailing Club, regatta racing...

Top 10 Features of the RS Quest

2025 is a pretty special year – 10 years of the RS Quest! This training dinghy has become the go-to for sailing schools and youth programs all over the world. Initially created in partnership with...

Pin It on Pinterest