Congratulations to Richard Hanby, Noble Marine RS300 National Champion 2024!

It was the turn of Eastbourne Sovereign Sailing Club to host the 2024 RS300 National Championships. Club members duly exceeded all expectations in providing a very warm welcome to 19 RS300 sailors.

The forecast for the event was variable, with generally offshore breezes and some days threatening better chances of playing crazy golf than sailing.

Day 1 presented the forecasted northerly straight of the beach along with some impressively decisive shifts. Race 1 saw Pete Mackin lead at the top mark and carry it through to the end, though not without considerable challenge from defending champion Harry McVicar. Shifty breeze had played havoc with the order, pre-event favourite Richard Hanby could barely muster a 7^th after a swim down the run and returning legend Steve Bolland retiring after snapping a tiler extension.

By the time race 2 came along, most sailors were cold, having braved a wet and windy squall in between. Hanby made a triumphant return to form, taking the bullet from McVicar and Bolland. Normal service had resumed – but this was threatening to be a very high scoring regatta.

Friday dawned with similarly frustrating conditions for many. Beating up towards the shore meant for few useful ladders but plenty of soul crushing snakes. Steve Bolland made his best lunge thus far for the title with two bullets with the podiums being rounded out by Dave Acres, another returning champion, along with Luke South, Tom Moore and Richard Hanby. Neal Gibson took a spectacular victory in race 5, ahead of Hanby and South. Neal would go on to lead the Silver fleet which was being very hotly contested by Ben Green and Rob Baker who had brought the brilliant Gulf liveried machine back onto the circuit in epic style.

Tom Moore took victory in race 6 with his brand-new, Ginger Boats built steed in a rather fetching metallic orange and grey livery. With more boats on the way, now is a great time to get your order in! He was beaten to shore though by Harry McVicar who had ended his torrid day retiring from the back and no doubt hoping he still wouldn’t have to count a 13 from earlier in the day.

Saturday had promised to be a day of crazy golf. As it happened, the locals faith in a sea breeze was not unfounded. It was still relatively light and with wind against tide, general recalls and U Flags had started to appear. Richard Hanby took another bullet to add to his tally, followed by Charlie South who continued his meteoric rise up the order having not bothered with Thursday’s racing. So impressive was Charlie’s form that he promptly took a bullet in race 8 and a third in race 9, threatening a spot on the overall podium.

That left the points situation very close throughout the fleet. Whilst Hanby held a few points clear of Bolland, the rest of the fleet positions were all up for grabs. This had easily turned into the very closest championship for a long time and testament to the quality of everyone in the fleet.

To win, Bolland had to put several boats between himself and Hanby whilst finishing right up top. Those expecting to watch a match race were disappointed to see plenty of space between the pair. At the top mark, Bolland was ahead of Hanby but still far behind Charlie South  who would go on to win the race. Richard recovered up the field to a championship winning position but couldn’t relax when the RO sent the fleet for another lap!

A spectacular championship was eventually won by Richard, bettering his second place last year. Charlie took second overall, tied points with Steve Bolland in third and just 4 points behind the lead.

Ben Heppenstall won this year’s Endeavour prize.

Neal Gibson was 1^st Apprentice and winner of the Silver Fleet.

Richard Hanby added the lightweight trophy to his haul of the weekend.

Charlie South bagged the aptly named Buddah trophy for the heavyweight prize.

Steve Bolland’s welcomed return to the fleet bagged him the Masters Cup.

Cheryl Wood took first Lady Helm.

And Emsworth once again took the team trophy in a close battle with stokes bay.

Eastbourne had put on a mega event, excellently support by members and notably good food! The beach team were fab, as was the race management and apres sail! Big thanks also to awesome sponsors Noble Marine and Rooster who continue to sponsor the RS stable.

There’s never been a better time to join the RS300 fleet. New boats are available to order form Ginger Boats. The 2025 calendar is filling already and the nationals are going to be fab at SCYC Abersoch from 12-14 September. Join us now!

Peter Mackin