The casual observer could easily have mistaken the Rope4Boats RS400 Southern Tour event at Queen Mary for an RS400 Champion of Champions event. Among the entrants were: Ben & Roz McGrane; Sam Knight & Chris Bownes; Tom Halhead & Paul Hilliar; and James Stewart & Roger Gilbert. The "great and the good" as one competitor put it.
The weekend started on Saturday with training hosted by Chris Eames and Rachel Tilley. The day began with some boat set up to ensure everyone was on the right page. We then went afloat to work on boat speed, tacks, and gybes. It was great to see the rapid progression of those at the training and many were seen putting their newfound skills into practice on race day.
Sunday dawned warm with a perfect breeze and the first race did not disappoint. After a 40-minute game of snakes and ladders it was Ben & Roz who pipped Tom & Paul, with James & Roger completing the podium. You could have thrown a sheet over the top 6 boats such was the closeness of the racing. By this stage the wind had dropped right off to what felt like 5 knots. Given the forecast was for a brisk 10-20 knots was forecast this was a surprise to say the least.
By the start of the 4th race most people were exhausted and ready for a quick 3 lapper before home. The race officer, however, had other ideas and decided an extra lap was required. Sam & Chris had found their form and romped home to victory. They were followed by Tom & Paul with Ben & Roz taking third, just enough to clinch overall victory.
A huge thanks to our sponsors, Rope4Boats for providing the prizes, and everyone at Queen Mary for producing such a memorable event. If the first event is anything to go by it is going to be an epic season. The next event on the Southern Tour is Salcombe on the first May Bank Holiday with the Southern Championships taking place at Hayling Island on 24/25 June. The road to Mounts Bay has well and truly begun!
Overall Results:
Pos Sail No Helm Crew Club R1 R2 R3 R4 Pts
1st 1309 Ben McGrane Roz McGrane Netley SC 1 1 (UFD) 3 5
2nd 1535 Tom Halhead Paul Hilliar Llandegfedd SC ‑2 2 1 2 5
3rd 1376 Sam Knight Chris Bownes Bartley SC ‑5 3 3 1 7
4th 1528 Christopher Eames Rachel Tilley Queen Mary Sailing Club ‑4 4 2 4 10
5th 1400 James Stewart Roger Gilbert Netley Sailing Club 3 5 4 ‑6 12
6th 1235 Sam Pickering Emily Heath Chichester Yacht Club ‑6 6 5 5 16
7th 1539 Steven Broomfield Charlie Bell Lymington Town Sailing Club ‑11 7 6 7 20
8th 880 Tim Le Couilliard James Le Couilliard KGSC 8 ‑10 7 8 23
9th 1061 Martin Wood Sarah Skinner New Quay Yacht Club 9 (RET) 8 9 26
10th 1447 David Ryder Michelle Ryder Island Barn RSC 7 9 (DNC) DNC 30
11th 1521 Andy Powell Chris Rolfe Warsash 10 8 (UFD) DNC 32
12th 765 Andy Nicoll Guy Halford Oxford SC 12 (RET) RET DNC 40
13th 1470 Ian Peace Mike Barrett Island Barn RSC (DNC) DNC DNC DNC 42
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