RS700 wrap

Andy White reviews the year for the singlehanded skiff

2004 saw another great year of racing as the RS700 class goes from strength to strength. The introduction of a new equalisation system gave even closer racing, and saw light weight Jason Belben win the windiest race of a fantastic National Championships in Weymouth.

The year started with the RS 10 Year Anniversary Regatta at Hayling Island, strongly supported by 40 700’s. The 700’s shone in the combined events with Andy White winning the ‘Record Race’, leading home the 250 boat mixed RS fleet over the water, with Neil Robinson in 3rd. Jason Belben was the first 700 and 7th overall in the mass pursuit race in some hairy conditions. While Paul Bayliss won the individual class racing over this fantastic weekend.

44 boats took part in the Fat Face Racing Circuit. Andy White defended his title over 7 events, pushed hard by Tony Freer and Eddie Gatehouse. Christian Brandt from Germany won a hard fought Euro Cup with 30 plus boats travelling to events across Europe.

Paul Bayliss won a windy Gul sponsored National Championship, after a close fought battle with Neil Robinson, who showed some blistering speed, with Jerry Wales proving that the 700 also equalises age by finishing 3rd. Paul’s win was his 3rd successive 700 Nationals win and he has now won more RS dinghy championships than any other sailor, an outstanding achievement.

The Inland Championships at Gafham were won by Andy Peake in some awesome conditions, followed home by two new faces to 700’s: Anthony York and Ben Cooper.

The year ended with the Holt tide ride, real crash and burn sailing. Paul Bayliss triumphed once again beating Jason Belben in to 2nd at this great fun event.

2005 has plenty of fantastic sailing in store with a busy schedule of events on the UK and Euro Circuits, a National Championships at Abersoch, and to kick it all off the winter championships in February at Hayling Island.