Thanks to Isabelle Small for her summary;
10 RS Aeros entered for the RS Aero event within the 50 boat Dalgety Bay SC Open. The growing fleet at Dalgety Bay SC were out in force with many of the RS Aero sailors racing their new boats for the first time! Visiting RS Aeros joined from Loch Lomond and Sunderland. 

Day 1 saw ‘dreich’ conditions (Scottish for low cloud, fog, rain and NO WIND) so the RO abandoned for the day. Day 2 promised 9-16 knots and it delivered, with mild temperatures and high cloud. 4 races were completed.

The strong tide caught out a few, including visitor Sand Day from Loch Lomond, in race 1 where they didn’t quite make it across the line at the pin end. The leaders, Ian Renilson (former Contender World Champion) & Luke McGill (Sunderland YC) got clean starts and were ahead of the fleet for most of the race. Race 2 saw similar results but the 5 & 6 rigs struggled in the strong tide and very light wind.

Race 3 saw much stronger breeze, with Ian and Luke swapping places, but Isabelle Small nipped in between them on handicap in her RS Aero 5 taking second place. There were thrills and spills at the bottom mark with Sandy Day and Neil Wood capsizing, making for some interesting roundings, with some forced around the outside and others taking their chance to get on the inside between them and the mark.

Congratulations to Ian Renilson on the win followed by Luke McGill in 2nd (both in RS Aero 7s) and Isabelle Small in 3rd in her RS Aero 5.

The RO, Gavin Homer, did a great job to get 4 short and very interesting races in one afternoon with everyone coming home smiling and very tired! Thanks to Rooster Sailing, RS Sailing and Selden for providing a fine selection of awards. The new launching facilities at DBSC proved a success, and the new 40 metre concrete slip is a huge success and will be completed by early next season. 

RESULTS

In 2023 Dalgety Bay SC will host the RS Aero Scottish Nationals on the 7/8th October 2023. SAVE THE DATE!

Photos by Steve Webb