Write-Up

The Starcross Steamer - Starcross YC, Exe, UK, 29th Jan 2023

Seven intrepid RS Aero sailors joined a total of 78 entries to contest the 2023 edition of the Starcross Steamer. Enthusiasm continues to reign high for a sociable day out at Starcoss YC to race in the beautiful Exe Estuary with the entry selling out in a few days after opening at New Year! 

The Exe Estuary was looking very picturesque but unpromising initially with a flat calm on arrival through to after the planned start time. However, after an hour's postponement the forecasted breeze finally kicked in quickly to give a very pleasant day's racing with 8-14kn, sunshine and mild temperatures at last. The race length and start times were quickly adjusted to reduce the 2.5hrs race to 2hrs, catching the tidal window before the ebb set in.

The RS Aeros split themselves between four RS Aero 7s and three RS Aero 9s which started 4 minutes later with 102 minutes to hunt them down. Mark Ripley got the jump off the RS Aero 7 start but was soon overhauled by Chris Jones who went on to finish top RS Aero 7 and a creditable 11th overall (overcoming the distraction of a head wound from Starcross' infamous low tunnel!)

After a close first lap tussle between Paul Bartlett and Peter Barton, Peter eventually pulled clear. Peter went on to catch Chris and  kept the ever present chasing pack of 15 Phantoms that had started just 2 minutes behind narrowly at bay all race (I could see the 'whites of their eyes' at times!). After passing a large gaggle of OKs, Solos, Radials and a Firefly Peter was up to 2nd and could then focus on the lead OK (current World Champion Charlie Chumbley!) in the distance, but it proved just too far and too fat to catch in time. Peter took 3rd overall, finishing about a minute behind the OK and the B14 who had zipped by in the closing minutes.

Congratuations to Jacob Chambers who finished Top Youth (U18) overall in his RS Aero 7, rounding out a good day overall for the RS Aeros.

Big Thank You to Starcoss YC for running such a nice event each year and to Exe Sails and Allen for supporting the prizes.

Full Y&Y Report

Winter 2022-23 Gallery for larger photos thanks to Heather Davies and Garnett Showell

Results

View Full Results File