Write-Up

This past weekend the RS Aero Nationals were conducted at Black Rock as a warm up regatta for the Worlds. The 35 RS Aeros that entered were given a classic taste of conditions at Black Rock that saw our new National Champions emerge from a variety of testing sailing conditions.

Thanks to Rhett Gowans who in winning the RS Aero 7 title for the second time, summed up the weekend thus;
"If you ordered a Pre-Worlds regatta that offered up all types of conditions: light air, medium breeze, gusty Northerly and waves then it certainly delivered.

On Saturday it was great to race in a mixture of conditions as the dying breeze quickly turned into a steady South Westerly, giving everyone the opportunity to make big gains and losses on a snakes and ladders type of day. Glistening sunshine and 10 knots proved to be the perfect combo as all sailors enjoyed a perfect Melbourne Summers day. It was great to see a number of old and new faces in the fleet, most will take to the water again in less than a months time for the Worlds.

Sunday proved how ruthless nature can be as only one race was sailed in a testing 20-25 knot breeze, with sustained gusts of 30+ knots. Big waves meant surfing... and lots of it. That's if you could keep your boat upright as just one boat in the fleet remained upright throughout the race. It emphasised how rapidly Melbourne weather systems can roll through.

It was great to see the high level of care and companionship shown both during and after the race from competitors, race officials and volunteeers as the tired sailors came ashore.

Results