Write-Up

Bowmoor Bubble RS Aero End of Seasons - Bowmoor SC, Gloucestershire, UK, 30 Nov 2024

Thank you to Rosemary Dillworth for organising the event and for her summary report;
Twenty-nine RS Aeros entered the Bowmoor Bubble end of season open meeting. The day started slightly overcast. As the start of the open meeting neared, the sky cleared giving a glimpse of dazzling winter sun and it was warm. The breeze built giving race conditions of light to moderate winds with plenty of gusts and shifts to keep the racing interesting and very competitive.

The Bowmoor RS Aero fleet continues to be a strong fleet and we were pleased to welcome youth sailors who had borrowed boats to join in this open meeting. With seven visiting sailors, this led to a shake up of the normal order of racing. The fleet was split into three starts: RS Aero 9, RS Aero 7 and RS Aero 6 & 5 were together on handicap. Two races were run in the morning. After a delicious lunch from our caterers Hacketts, a further 2 races were run including a short pause for a course adjustment as the wind significantly shifted for the final race.

RS Aero 6 & 5 fleet

This was a handicap race for the RS Aero 6 and 5 fleets. It was a very competitive fleet with them sailing very close together and plenty of place swapping. It was notable how well the RS Aero 5, sailed by Emily Davis, kept up with the 6’s and Emily took first place in race 1. Rachael Jenkins took 1^st place in races 2 and 4 closely following by Charlotte Hitchmough who took 1^st place in race 2. Sarah, Ellie and Fiona sailed some great races to keep the pressure on the front of the fleet. Overall, 1^st place was Rachael, 2^nd place Charlotte and 3^rd place Sarah.

RS Aero 7 fleet

This is the largest fleet sailing in the open and is also the most hotly contested. The first race was won by Neil Crosby. For race 2, Toby Banbrook changed his sail down and joined the fleet. He dominated the races and took first place in the final three races. Neil continued at the front of the fleet taking second place in race 2 and 3 with Esther Heathcote close behind. Race 4 saw Esther just get ahead of Neil to claim second. The middle of the fleet was very competitive with tight mark rounding and good tactics to gain places. At points in the race they were at the front of the fleet but were unable to maintain the pace as more experienced sailors headed up the ranking. The challenges of lake sailing and wind shifts ensured that no one was assured their place until crossing the finish line. The pressure to gain places caused a few roll gybes to be a little exaggerated resulting in the helms experiencing the water temperature. Notable performances were given by the younger youth sailors Alex Davies, Marcus Pakes (Haversham SC) and Josh Pickard. We are sure they will be putting pressure on the podium places before too long.

First place to Toby Banbrook and a birthday present for him. Second place was taken by Neil Crosby, and third place Esther Heathcote. A credible performance gave Darcy Lynall fourth place. Three of the top five places were taken by youth sailors aged18 or under. Well done to everyone!

RS Aero 9 fleet

Eleven sailors competed in this fleet with the front of the fleet being given no room for complacency. First place was hotly contested but Dave Lynall kept up his top class performance to win the first 3 races. Peter Barton, Buzz Keck and Will Morris pushed hard but ended up fighting for second and third places throughout the races. The final race was without Dave, leaving open the podium places for Peter Barton (1^st) and Buzz Keck (2^nd).

Overall, Dave Lynall took first place, Peter Barton second place on count back and Buzz Keck third place. Close behind them, Will Morris took fourth place, representing the youth.

The day ended with prize giving. We were delighted to share a birthday cake with Toby and Phil. A great end to an excellent day.

We look forward to holding the event again next year and welcoming RS Aero sailors to Bowmoor Sailing Club again.

PHOTOS thanks to David Fewings
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