RS800s have the pace

Report and results from the RS pursuit race at Queen Mary

60 RS boats from all the RS classes apart from the K6’s made the trip to Queen Mary for a single pursuit race on Saturday afternoon. No sailing on the Sunday to recover in time for work on Monday! The K6’s could unfortunately not launch due to Queen Mary reservoir just recovering from resembling a skate park earlier in the year. The water level now only 3m lower than normal meant gusty and shifty conditions still, but 18 to over 20 knots at times made for good sailing.

The battle at the front of the 200’s was between James Stewart/Sam Littlejohn and Geoff Carveth/Louisa Fewtrell. Carveth/Fewtrell eventually coming out in front in 12th overall. The 400’s were lead round by Craig Burlton and Steve Dunn, who became lead boat on the water with about 40 mins remaining in the race having overhauled the Vareo’s, 200’s, and 300’s.

The 600’s were lead round by Rob Chaplin from the home club, he eventually finished 14th. Lee Albrecht also from Queen Mary, sailing his 700 well in the tricky conditions finished in 6th overall.

It was the 800’s though who filled the top 3, only dropping off the plane during tacks! Burlton/Dunn were passed by James Date and Mark Hogan with 35 minutes still remaining, looking like their legs were beginning to ache actually as Date/Hogan disappeared… Oh the harshness of handicap racing! Spod Olive and Jane Norris were second overall ahead of Matt Adams and Charlie Coulborn (who got a great start by the way!). Burlton/Dunn did well to hold on to fourth just ahead of Jaffa Harrison and Richie Burlingham in their 800. The 400’s of Hywel Roberts and Danny Brookes, and Mark Littlejohn and Karen Baker also sailed well to stay in the top 10.

Thanks to Queen Mary SC for hosting the event, the AGM, and an awesome party on the Saturday night.

	Helm/Crew	Boat/Number
1	James Date	RS800   1001
	Mark Hogan
2	Spod Olive	RS800   1057
	Jane Norris
3	Matt Adams	RS800   1050
	Charlie Coulborn
4	Craig Burthen	RS400   1215
	Steve Dunn
5	Jaffa Harrison	RS800   1046
	Richie Bunlingham
6	Leigh Albrecht	RS700   869
7	Hywel Roberts	RS400   1216
	Danny Brookes
8	Mark Littlejohn	RS400   1174
	Karen Baker
9	Paul Bayliss	RS800   843
	James Holmes
10	Tony Freer	RS700   822