Write-Up

Howth Yacht Club's Paul McMahon is the 2023 Bretzel Bakery Irish RS Aero National Champion after a masterful display of sailing, winning the event with a race to spare - counting four firsts and a third at the National Yacht Club hosted event.  He was pushed hard by UK visitors, runner-up RS Sailing’s Noah Rees (Lymington Town SC) and Jack Miller (Felpham/Paignton SC) in third overall. Noel Butler - 1st RS Aero 6 - (National YC) and Daragh Sheridan (Howth YC) completed the Irish Nationals podium.

First Junior: Alexander Trickett (National YC), First Lady: Sarah Dwyer (RStGYC), First Master: Robert Howe (Monkstown Bay SC), First Novice: William Despard (National YC). Among the competitors was Irish ILCA Masters champion Marco Sorgassi (RStGYC), who was rewarded with a Bretzel Bakery “Mug of the Day” award for a truly spectacular ”missed the toestrap” capsize!

24 entries is the largest Irish RS Aero fleet to date and they competed in six races over two days in medium SE winds on Dublin Bay. PRO Ed Totterdell and his expert race management team with mark layers Mal Nowlan and John McNeely ran three Olympic courses on Saturday and three windward/leeward courses on Sunday, deftly dealing with a stubborn fog bank on the Sunday morning. On the water jury, Ailbe Millerick and Eunice Kennedy kept the fleet on their toes with regard to Rule 42 as they enjoyed full hiking conditions upwind and surfing conditions downwind with the wind against the building ebb tide

National YC Head Coach Thomas Chaix, ran a class coaching session on the Friday. This was open to all sailors in the class and designed to prepare sailors at all levels for the National Championship on the Saturday and Sunday. 14 sailors participated and mark roundings, starts, boat trim, sail shape and use of controls were the learning points of the day with excellent video analysis and notes circulated on the event group chat. Thomas was also on coach duty during the racing and facilitated a de-brief on the Saturday evening where hints and tips were shared by the race winners and interesting discussions were had over delicious catering provided by the National YC.

Thanks to title sponsor Bretzel Bakery whose MD Dymphna O'Brien presented the prizes. Bakery owner William Despard competed in the event and provided delicious bread and pastries for the fleet each day. Thanks also to RS Sailing Ireland and Kenneth Rumball for providing complimentary charter boats for the visitors.

Seven of the Irish sailors who competed at the Nationals will represent Ireland at the upcoming RS Aero World Championships in Sardinia at the end of July. The RS Fest next weekend in Blessington Sailing Club will have racing for all RS classes with boats available to try/charter, more info here.

The RS Aero fleet plans to continue the very popular format of coaching/racing as the fleet develops. The National YC also runs weekly coaching sessions open to all. Anyone who would like to participate is very welcome and should get in touch with the class by emailing [email protected]

Irish Gallery for larger photos

afloat.ie
Irish RS Aero Class Website

Results