Write-Up

RS Aero Scottish National Championship - Dalgety Bay SC, Fife, Scotland, UK, 7/8 Oct

Thanks to Isabelle Martin for her report...
The RS Aero Scottish Nationals, incorporating the final round of the inaugural Scottish Series took place at Dalgety Bay Sailing Club on the weekend of 7/8 October.  The weather gods were not on our side on either day with a severe weather warning in place for rain and wind. Biblical rainfall on Saturday with strong winds up to 30 knots and a sea state that was lumpy in the extreme.  Waves were up to 2 metres and very steep and close together.  Noah had ordered launch of the Arc!

The race officer held us ashore until 3 pm when the rain had eased from biblical to only a tropical downpour (but not tropical in temperature).  The wind also eased a bit to the extent that Robbie Lawson (ELYC) considered changing up to his 9 rig!  

When we headed out, the wind had increased again but the broad reach from our newly completed championship standard launch facilities was awesome - fast and brilliant waves to play on. I am not sure I had much centreboard in the water planing down some of them in my 5 rig!

Further out towards the race course and the committee boat most marks were laid but safety boats were tied up with numerous capsized boats in all classes.  A wall of water 2 metres high washing over you when trying to right your boat is really scary. Rescue was required!

The race officer really tried his very best to get some racing in for us on day one but had to fly flag N and we all returned to shore. Some of the RS Aero had headed back before reaching the rally steep waves area and the committee boat, however, Robbie Lawson (ELYC), Ian Renilson (DBSC) and Peter Taylor (DBSC) enjoyed the short but exciting sail in the very testing conditions.

Day 2 dawned with lighter wind and rain but the wind was due to die off to zero as the rain stopped.  The race officer brought the start forward to 10 am and managed 2 races before the wind died completely.  

Ian Renilson sailed off into the horizon in both races with Peter Taylor 2nd.  Ian is the newly crowned Scottish National Champion and Peter Taylor takes the inaugural Scottish Series with a first and two second places from the 3 events.  The fleet was depleted on day 2 but the racing very close with 3rd, 4th & 5th places all on equal points.  

As the wind died to zero, the highlight of the afternoon was the Flying Scotsman crossing the iconic Forth Bridge, twice!

Many thanks to Dalgety Bay SC for laying on a good event on a very testing weekend and to the Scottish RS Sailing dealers, Sailingfast, for their support

Results