RS100 end of year exams and term report

The RS100 class of 2022 assembled at Chew Valley Lake for their final examinations of the year, the Rope4Boats Inland Championship.

In shifty, gusty conditions, and with one exception (Head-boy Smart, disappointingly), all candidates deserve plaudits for their efforts. The official results show it was all extremely close.

In a confidentiality breach worthy of Edward Snowden, your correspondent has not only obtained sight of everyone’s individual Reports, but shares them below. So sue me.

1^st Nigel Wakefield (Netley house) emerged with top marks; ever present near the front, boat always dead flat. Only criticism that can be made is that he was led astray by another Netley boy (JR) in test 3 and started too soon. Luckily for him the overall scoring allowed a worst result to be disregarded. He may think he was a little too ‘grounded’ on occasion and in future may want to work on that. (14 points)

2^nd Clive Eplett (Frensham Pond house). Could not repeat last year’s overall Inlands top-of-class although was top in first and last examination; clearly, needed to be more consistent. So convincing was his entirely made-up rumour that Mark Harrison (who was monstering that last exam) had started before the examiner said he could, that it came true. Such behaviour is an unbecoming way to steal a win. (16 points)

3^rd Andrew Jones (Chew Valley house). Showed great promise and flashes of brilliance but too often dropped off the very top as the test progressed. Needs to be there at the end as well as the beginning. We give him the benefit of the doubt and recognise his role as head of Chew Valley House may have diverted his preparation slightly. (17 points)

4^th Huw Powell (Red Wharf Bay and Netley houses. How does that work?) National champion Huw was solidly top of the class after day one of testing but, atypically, seemed to struggle to get going or make his usual impression on day two. Also needs to fit an echo-sounder to his boat although plaudits go to his resultant backwards-sailing skill. Did well to dodge a half-term sick-note that would have kept him at home. (18 points)

5^th Tom Halhead (Llandegfedd house) You know it’s competitive when you have test results including three thirds and a second from top but end fifth overall. Tom needs to make sure he is not distracted next year by his new RS400 – an unsanctioned purchase that must not be allowed to restrict his RS100 attendances. (19 points)

6^th James Ross (Netley house) we all know astrology is bunk but James nevertheless presents a strong case for being a Gemini. He can be very, very good (top of exam twice) but other times not so much. Black mark for starting too soon and dragging Nigel with him. Gold star though for not tacking on people as aggressively as he has been known. (26 points)

Special mentions also go to:

11^th David Smart (Chew Valley house) We expect better performance than this from our Head-Boy. Clearly the shifty conditions did not suit his bang-a-corner style. First event sailing his upgrade to his daemon Greg Booth’s last boat, seemed to demonstrate Greg could sail it better. Or perhaps David’s new copper, slug-deterrent stripe is not as lucky for him as a wobbly blue one. We won’t mention his, in desperation, trying to start the last race 30 seconds before everyone else. Oops. (41 points)

13^th Tom Fletcher (Hunts house) in his first event, carried off a trick never before achieved in the history of the class, by successfully unwrapping a pole/kite-tack twist without capsizing. Under consideration for a commission to make a training video on how to do this.

14^th Dave Tarr (Queen Mary House) also in his first event. Consistent on day one with a 14^th in all 4 races before an 11 and 10 on day two. Needs to be less shy in his starting and not worry about ‘getting in the way’. Huw Powell’s crown as heavy weather king could be under major threat soon, given Dave is about the same weight as Huw but what looks like 50% taller.

Next exams for the UK RS100s are the Rutland Sprints on 22-23 April 2023 although we might have a UK representative at the Aussie national tests in January. Allegedly a trip down-under is cheaper than heating a house in the UK for the winter.

We’ve saved the hottest scoop until the end. After an unfortunate haitus, new RS100s are again being built, by gingerboats.co.uk , overseen by RS. Hooray. Contact Ginger Boats via the website for details.  One boat has already gone to Holland, at least three are on the way to Australia and there are UK orders too.

Clive Eplett

Huge thanks to our sponsor Rope4Boats and to all at Chew Valley LSC for putting on a superb event - we'll be back next year!

Gallery, thanks to Errol Edwards

RS100 & RS700 Inlands 2022

Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club

RS100 Fleet

Congratulations to Rob Higgins from Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club, our Rope4Boats RS700 Inland Champion 2022!

Huge thanks to all at Chew for putting on such a superb event and thanks to event sponsor Rope4Boats.

Gallery, thanks to Errol Edwards

Chew Valley Lake 22-23 October – Rope4Boats RS700 Inlands and Final RS700 Rooster National Tour event

A good forecast and warm temperatures brought an entry of 18 boats to this stunning location despite the lowest water levels for years.  Following the briefing where the Race Officer assured the fleet of the use of the ‘U’ flag throughout, the excitement grew as the fleet launched in a brisk Southerly breeze under dark cloud.

Sadly the cloud passed, and Race 1 got away in light and shifty conditions; however, the locals seemed to like the conditions taking three of the first four places. Rob Higgins, from Chew, showed his mastery of the conditions taking the win, with Matt Carter 2nd and home club sailors Guy Boullenger and Paul Croote taking 3^rd and 4^th.

Race 2

Fortunately the wind had now filled in but shifts and gusts were a constant theme.  The fleet were now beginning to learn that ‘hitting the corners’ was not an option.  Invisible weed at the edges, fishing boats and lines all added to the mix.

Rob Higgins again showed the fleet the way with Nathan Steffenoni finishing ahead of Matt Carter and Pete Purkiss.

Race 3

Rob again led the fleet only to find that the ‘U’ flag was showing its teeth.  With Rob OCS, 1^st place went to Matt, with Pete 2^nd, Tom Porter in 3^rd and Guy in 4^th.

Race 4

Given the threat of thunderstorms for Day 2, the Race Officer kept the fleet on the water for a fourth race.  By now the visitors were beginning to get to grips with the challenges, but Rob still showed his mastery with the win, Matt, Pete and Tom following.

By the end of Day One, Rob kept his lead over Matt but with two races to go, an OCS and only one discard, it was all still to play for.

The fleet were treated to superb hospitality that evening.

DAY 2

Competitors arrived early on Sunday to dry weather, following a night of thunder and torrential rain.

Race 5

With the wind settling to a Southerly direction the penultimate race got away with Matt Carter showing speed and concentration (despite a sleepless night in his van!) to take the win over Rob and Pete, with Roland Smith in 4th.  However, the previous day’s lessons seemed to have been forgotten with three boats OCS.

Race 6

With one race to go, the maths showed that it was still possible for Matt to come out on top; however, with little wind at the start, Matt got buried at the wrong end of the line, allowing Rob and Pete to lead the fleet.  The breeze soon filled in with Rob coming out on top, Pete 2^nd and Matt recovering to 3^rd. Phillip Highfield was 4^th and Curtis Drew 5^th.

Rob took the overall championship, with Matt 2^nd and Pete 3^rd.  In 4^th place was Tom Porter with consistent results throughout.  So congratulations to Rob Higgins our 2022 RS700 Rope4Boats Inland Champion!

The sailors expressed thanks to the club for hosting an excellent event.  The fleet hopes to return for a repeat event in 2023.  Thank you very much to Rope4Boats for generously sponsoring the RS700 Inlands.

The Rope4Boats Inlands was the final event on the Rooster RS700 National Tour.  Thirty one sailors battled it out in the five tour events.  Congratulations to Pete Purkiss whose consistently strong performance earned him the 2022 RS700 Rooster National Tour Champion title.  See the full tour results here

Thank you Rooster for your continued high level of support!  Your 2023 RS700 Rooster National Tour calendar will be published soon. 

Report by Pete Purkiss

RS700 Fleet

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