RS Aero open meeting at Kielder Water Sailing Club
by Andrew Molyneux 16 Jul 2019 19:03 UTC
14 July 2019
Kielder Water RS Aero Open in Northumberland, UK © Julie Archer
A cracking day at Kielder Water, up near the Scottish border, was had by the large number of visitors enjoying this new venue on the northern circuit. The five boats that made the trip, despite the forecast of light winds, were not disappointed by the Met offices prediction, who were if anything optimistic.
The first boat out in good time to make the start line by 11:00 missed the coffee break enjoyed by the other four during the postponement to await the infill of wind. The first race got under way around 12:00 with the wind picking up and the challenge to stay upright only coming when roll tacking in the wake of the rescue boat. The race officer was keen to set a beat and carefully placed the windward mark. He needn't have worried as every leg turned into a beat at some point!
The start with five boats was fairly even but Allan soon emerged from the middle of the pack as the front runner. The fleet stayed compact throughout the 50 minute, 1 lap race with the odd gust threatening a change of positions. Allan led from start to finish with Andrew, Iain, Steve and Julie often threatening but not troubling him.
One race took us up to lunch and a great lunch it was with inclusive FREE PUDDIN', a worthy tradition now becoming established within the RS Aero Class. Lunchtime was spent willing the wind to fill in (or was it) but with the lake now like glass in every direction it was time to call it a day.
Kielder were fantastic hosts in this great picturesque location. The ever present sociable atmosphere of the northern fleet made this a great event and well worth the trip despite the curtailed sailing programme. Julie and Steve made the most of the weekend with a challenging bike ride around the reservoir on the Saturday - much faster than on the water this weekend!
We look forward to returning to brisker conditions next year!
RS Aero UK Northern Circuit 2019 - Results to date
Next up is the RS Aero UK Youth Champs this weekend in Rutland with nearly 50 young sailors now signed up followed by next week's RS Aero UK National Champs at ELYC, North Berwick, with over 80 RS Aeros competing in the UK Nationals' first visit to Scotland.
Full details on all RS Aero events in the UK here
Results:
1st - Allan Brooks, Huddersfield SC
2nd - Andrew Molyneux, Huddersfield SC
3rd - Iain McGonigal, East Lothian YC
4th - Steve Stewart, RYA
5th - Julie Archer, Ullswater YC