Staunton Harold Sailing Club hosted the third event in the Sailing Chandlery RS200 Northern Tour, delivering close, tactical racing and a home club clean sweep of the podium.

The day dawned with the promise of classic Staunton conditions — light, shifty winds and plenty of opportunities for gains (and losses). With five home boats and five visitors, it was all to play for.

Race Officer Grahame Newton, assisted by Corey, set four windward-leeward courses that tested boat handling, tactical awareness, and patience. Starts were crucial, with the shifting breeze offering big rewards to those who could spot and capitalise on pressure and shifts.

The morning races saw early dominance from the home fleet. Race 1 was taken by Pete & Rachael Gray, followed by a win in Race 2 for MJ Gifford & Amy Nugent. The rest of the fleet was closely packed, with positions changing frequently and battles being fought right through the fleet.

A well-earned lunch — courtesy of galley maestro Charles — gave sailors a chance to catch their breath and check the scoreboard: MJ & Amy sat on 4 points, Pete & Rachael on 6, three boats tied on 7, and a further three on 14 — setting the stage for a tight afternoon showdown.

Race 3 brought a drop in wind and a shake-up in the order. While the leaders ghosted up the course toward the Farm, a surprise gust from the dam end sent the chasing pack surging forward. Pete & Rachael held their nerve and their lead, but Caroline & Sophie from Bartley SC rode the breeze into second, pushing MJ & Amy into third and drawing Pete & Rachael and MJ & Amy level on gross points. Caroline & Sophie's second place also gave them the edge in the battle for third overall.

With the wind continuing to fade, Race 4 became the decider. A clean start and smart sailing saw Lol Hayward & Ann Nugent take an early lead. After a long 17-minute first lap and a patient second, they held on to win. Martin & Barbara Smith (Yorkshire Dales SC) climbed to second, while MJ & Amy secured a fourth — just enough to seal the event overall.

A huge thank you to all our visiting sailors from Bartley SC, Yorkshire Dales SC, and Maidenhead SC — your support is what makes these events so memorable. Special thanks also to our sponsors, Sailing Chandlery, for their continued support of the RS200 Northern Tour.

Here's to the next stop in the Northern Tour, Tynempiuth 21/22 June!

Ann Nugent

Photos: Corey Newton