Lymington Town SC Open - Hampshire, UK, 17th May

17 RS Aeros turned out to enjoy the Lymington RS Aero Open and were blessed with blue skies and a moderate sea breeze. The fleet raced together on PY using corrected time scoring with RS Aero 6s, 7s and 9s represented. There were no discards, no dress rehearsals, in the three race series as that would be just too wasteful on a beautiful sunny day - what with the price of fuel and all.

One light wind race was held on time, in a light breeze to be sure to have a score on the board with an uncertain forecast. However, any wind concerns proved unfounded when a wonderful 11-13kn sea breeze came in bang on cue against the start of the ebb tide for two more glorious races.

Race 1 was led from the start to finish by Jack Millar (Felpham) with a tricky light breeze and cross tide, lasting just long enough for the fleet to finish.

After a short delay the breeze switched to the southwest and came in with a nice 11-13kn, just as the tide started was starting to ebb against it. As Race 2 started a further shift to the right up the first beat as the breeze settled saw boats on that side come in hot, with Jamie Robinson's RS Aero 6 (Lee on Solent) at the front of the fleet approaching the mark 1. Peter Barton (Lymington Town) pulled out a lead from mark 1 to take the race, with Jack pulling through to 2nd and Chloe Martin (Lymington Town) 3rd on the water. After the PY corrected times were applied it Jamie's RS Aero 6 who claimed the 2nd place.

By Race 3 the ebb was in full flow and waves were starting to build for some nice surfs downwind. Peter led at the top mark but Jack was ahead after a lap which he held to the finish. Chloe was close in the mix throughout.

Overall Jack took the win on tie break with 1,3,1 from Peter in 2nd with 2,1,2. Chloe took 3rd showing her adaptability after upsizing to the RS Aero 7. 

Top RS Aero 6 was Rachael Jenkins (Bowmoor) in 8th, just 2 points ahead of David Cherrill (Broadwater), and top RS Aero 9 was Mark Lambdin (Bradford on Avon), just 2 points ahead of Andy Wilkins (South Caernarfonshire). Top Youth was Jamie Robinson, counting his impressive 2nd place in Race 2 alongside some UFD letters! (#onetowatch)

Thanks to Lymington Town SC and all their volunteers for a great day's racing and to Rooster for supporting the awards. 

Next up in the UK is the RS Aero UK Southern Champs at Hayling Island SC, 31May-1June

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