Write-Up

Salcombe RS Aero Open and UK Masters Champs - Salcombe YC, Devon, UK, 28/29th Sept

The Salcombe RS Aero Open doubled as the RS Aero UK Masters Champs this year and despite a challenging forecast 7 RS Aero visitors travelled to Salcombe joining the Solos, K1s and the local Yawls to enjoy and be challenged by Salcombe's high sided tidal ria valley.

That challenge started before the start of race one with a very light breeze against the incoming tide making the need for a critical decision on which side of the channel to start. Nick Craig (Burghfield) called it right to sail away to a good lead, but runaway leaders need to know the course well and Nick rounded the first mark the wrong way. Leading the RS Aero 7s early on was Paul Playle (Island Barn) although on the tricky crowded start-line he had been deemed over early. The left Peter Barton (Lymington) to take the first win after a comeback from a Salcombe side start, from Chris Jones (Sutton Bingham) in 2nd.

The breeze increased nicely for race 2. After many tacks up the shoreline Pete lead Nick at the top mark. On the long run to South Pool Nick came through and extended away up the next beat. The RS Aero 7s kept close enough to the RS Aero 9s for Chris to take 2nd and Paul 3rd, off Peter in 4th.

On Saturday evening a nice dinner was held for all competitors at Salcombe Yacht Club.

True to the forecast strong breezes funnelled into the estuary on Sunday and led to all racing being cancelled. Undeterred three RS Aeros, Nick, Peter and Chris. headed out for a blast. Whilst we all had a lot of fun the race team certainly had made a good decision as 30kn gusts from a variety of angles alternated with 0kn calms every few seconds. Racing may have been possible for RS Aeros, but it would also have been crazy racing!

So with a no discard series, the Masters took the top 3 slots overall with Chris Jones (Sutton Bingham) taking the win with his 2,2.

Many thanks to Salcombe YC for hosting another lovely weekend in Salcombe.

NEXT UP for the RS Aeros in the UK is the RS Aero UK Inland Championship at Draycote Water SC on 19/20th October.

Photo; Chris Jones at Salcombe in 2021

Results