The forecast wind of 15knts for the 2021 RS Aero Midland Championship held at Staunton Harold Sailing Club didn’t disappoint and led to close racing throughout the day. The wind remained consistent and the gusts caused a few capsizes. Visitors from 7 different Midland Clubs joined with 4 sailors from the home club. The event was kindly sponsored by Rooster and Selden and is one of 5 that form the RS Aero Midland Mini Series.

Race officer Nigel Pepperdine set different courses for each of the 4 races, starting with a course that allowed two beats, followed by a windward leeward course, then two final courses giving chance for some exciting reaches.

David Peaty from Draycote made the best of the conditions to win overall sailing an RS Aero 5. David led in the early stages of 2 of the races and was always in the mix with the RS Aero 7s throughout the day. He was a worthy winner and is the RS Aero Midland Champion for 2021 with two 1st and a 2nd place to count. David’s fellow club member Nigel Davies sailing an RS Aero 7 was second overall after working his way up to 5th in the first race having missed the start, he consolidated this with a 1st and two 2nds to narrowly miss out on the top slot.

Staunton Harold sailors filled the rest of the top five with Graham Newton sailing his RS Aero 7 for only the third time finishing in third place. Graham retired from race 3 having sailed to the wrong windward mark but made no mistake with a win in the final race to add to his previous 2nd and 3rd places. John Blundell sailing with a 7 rig finished 4th with a 3rd and two 4ths commenting that he should invest in a 5 rig! The final prize winner was Paul Williamson with a 5 rig counting 6, 4, 3.

Round 3 of the Midland Mini Series continues with the RS Aero River Championship at Nottingham Sailing club on 14th August. 

 

Summer 2021 Gallery for larger photos