Results / RS200 Scottish Series Largo Bay SC - 27/06/2009

RS200 Scottish Travellers Circuit

16 sailors arrived at Largo Bay SC for the 4^th round of the the www.jpwatersports.com RS200 Scottish trav circuit.

The host club warmly greeted sailors on their 50^th anniversary regatta wkend. The 200 class showed its strength by having the highest number of entries for a doublehanded class. Racing was very close throughout the wkend with a single point being the difference between 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th overall.

On to the racing. R1 set the scene for Saturday’s sailing with the wind coming out of the east 10 – 15 knots. The LHS side of the course predominantly paid due to the proximity to the land and both convergence and lifts on port tack that could be found nearer the shore. The PRO did a great job by putting starboard bias on the line giving the sailors the 2 starting and 1^st beat strategies. 1254 opted for port start and truck over to the favoured side whereas the majority started near the committee boat. Committee boat sailors were first to the w/w mark. 914 rounded 1^st, followed by 908, 998,1254 and with the rest nipping at there heals. On the downwind leg some boats opted for hot angles whilst some soaked low. 1254 got into the lead only to be passed by 914 at the l/w mark. 1254 eventually won from a consistent 866 with 998 taking 3^rd.

R2 and 1254 aka R2D2 decided to engage light speed. In slightly less breeze soaking low was the faster option. 988 took 2^nd with 866 coming 3^rd.

R3 and again R2D2 could not disengage from light speed and won. A very tight battle commenced with the rest of the pack and 988 came home in 2^nd and 908 in 3^rd.

Saturday night was AGM night for the class, lots of discussions were had. There is lots of excitement regards the nationals at east Lothian in 2010!

Sunday dawned a little brighter than Saturday with same easterly direction and 5 – 8 knots of breeze. The course was laid slightly further out in the bay, which resulted in the left hand side only paying on a number of occasions. Playing the shifts was the order of the day.

R4 was a titanic battle between 1254, 866 and the lightweight team of 814 showing some great tenacity in the lighter winds. 866 sailed through the fleet to take 1^st from 1254 with 908 3^rd.

R5 1254 again found light speed and took the win, 866 2^nd and 814 3^rd.

R6 turned into the crews race for 914 and 1254, leaving 908 and 988 to battle out for 3^rd place overall. 988 showed 1254 the true meaning of light speed and won convincingly from 908 with 814 in 3^rd. 914 won the battle of the crews race as 1254’s crew can not read a wind shift whilst trying to crew and failing miserably.

Thanks must be paid to Largo Bay for hosting a great regatta as per usual. In addition thanks to the class sponsor www.jpwatersports.com for issuing some more great prizes. Next up is Largs where we will be joined by sailors form across the UK in a UK and Scottish circuit event. With still plenty to play for in the overall standings let alone a jib to be 1, Largs is an event that 200 class sailors cannot afford to miss! Hope to see lots of you there.