Results / Abersoch Week South Caernarvonshire YC - 26/07/2015

RS300s at Abersoch Dinghy Week 2015 by Matt Jenkins

In stark contrast to the Mediterranean conditions last year, dogs were blown off chains most days at this year’s Crewsaver sponsored Abersoch Dinghy Week.  Just the first day was lost leaving 5 days of memorable sailing and swimming in the glorious Cardigan Bay.

The RS300s were again part of the 16 strong single handed fleet.  It was a family affair with brothers and brothers-in-law fighting it out all week.  Matt Mercer defected to the Laser fleet at the last minute due to a new racing snake physique sapping his RS300 confidence.  At the other end of the spectrum, muscle man Phil Bishop made a guest appearance with new daughter on the beach, but unfortunately no time to sail this year.

Despite having been in Abersoch for over 2 days, the Jenkins brothers still managed to be late - just launching as the 1^st race kicked off!  James showed that all the practice he has put in paid off by sailing brilliantly in some pretty brutal conditions.  Matt got all his capsizes out of the way on the 1^st day and Dave refused to give in, finishing some 20 minutes after the fleet with his own personal rib escort shepherding him across the line.

Great racing ensued with other highlights including Matt being utterly devastated when overtaken by a very well sailed D-Zero on a blasting broad reach (must have been in a gust..). Dignity was restored upwind.  Dave also sailed brilliantly winning Race 4 despite capsizing. The pace of looking after 2 young children was affecting James mid-week, until he found a second wind and restored his mojo towards the end.  It came down to the last race with any one of 4 boats in with a chance.  Matt managed to clinch it with Dave edged out to 3^rd by that D-Zero.  James finished strongly to take 7^th overall.

The advantage of only sailing one race a day is that you have all afternoon to chill out and have a holiday at the same time!  It really does work and makes for an unbeatable blend of racing and family/relaxing time.  Would be great to see some more RS300s there next year to add to the fun!

Photo thanks to James Cowlishaw.

The results are thanks to SCYC.

Photo thanks to James Cowlishaw.