Results / RS Multifleet Reunion Regatta & Black-Tie Dinner Hayling Island SC - 28/04/2018

HISC hosted an incredible weekend - the best of RS!

Exhilarating racing and a fantastic party delivered a weekend of nostalgia, exciting racing, steely competition and many smiles. Many old teams competed; Trudie Fell and Sheena Foster, Pete and Tamzin Midlleton, James Stewart and Ruth Johnson, the Macqueens, Pete Vincent and Pete Cruickshank to name a view. With some fresh faces too Chris Sproat and Georgina Burke combined with the current hot shots Maria Stanley and Rob Henderson, Steve and Becky Wilson it was set to be a cracking event.

The Saturday pursuit race was started by the Aeros who kindly led the way, and despite Mike Saul’s best attempts were eventually swamped by a large pack of chasing RS200’s. With some long beats and challenging reaches this race gave opportunity for many lapsed RS sailors to find their sea legs. Paul Hammett and daughter Annie lead most of the race, only to be overtaken in the final section by the indomitable Roger and Jane Gilbert.

Martin and Amanda Wadhams with Claire Burlton in the Elite gave the fleet a good spectacle when they took a short cut and ended up having to stop for a cup of tea whilst waiting for a tow. For this sailing excellence Martin was awarded the beautiful RS Duckhams dress!

Even more “old faces” joined for the party. 120 sat down for an excellent three-course meal.  The band was superb, combined with an after party at the Hewitsons; it was a night to remember.

Sunday sprint racing dawned with 15-20 knots, which resulted in fast, frantic and exhilarating racing. The superb race team managed the course with supreme efficiency. The handicap fleet was dominated by the resurgent RS600’s with Dave Nunn delivering some interesting start line tactics, he held off Jubby in most races but Ian Marshall dominated. Mike Saul again proved dominant in his Aero closed followed by Keith Willis who took second overall.

The RS 400 saw a tussle between the Lobato team and Jon Heissig with Francisco eventually nailing first place.

With so many RS 200 they were split into 2 fleets. Olly Turner and Mari Shepherd won the B fleet narrowly from Charlie and Pru Roome despite Pru falling out of the boat! With Ian Pickard and Steve Dunn eventually found their old form to win the last race.

The A fleet was intensely competitive with a raft of ex national champions combined with the current top sailors. One mistake and 5 boat places were lost. Tom Ballantine and Maddy Anderson showed fantastic speed wining 2 races, whilst Tom and Emma Morris showed it is never too late - pulling though from deep in the fleet in the last race to win it and finish second overall. However talented ex National Champions Lee and Sydenham, their first time back in the boat for 8 years were consistent throughout and won the event overall.

Many of the oldies proved they still have what it takes, depsite some not having being in a boat for years - take a look at the results below.  With rumours of a rekindled interest in RS Sailing and RS Games Nationals entries, there could be a few names from this list in the runners and riders - watch out whippersnapppers!

Those who aren't quite ready for 4 or 5 days hard racing, but who would like to come down and soak up the atmosphere of the RS Games and once again catch up with old friends are invited to join us for the Masters meal on Tuesday 21st August, during the RS200, RS400 and RS500 Championships.  If last year is anything to go by, it could be one of the surprise hits of thew regatta.  Buy your tickets here (scroll down on the page).

Photos thanks to Trudie Fell