Results / Weston SC Weston SC - 20/07/2024
Photos by Allen Davis
RS700 Open at Weston SC 20-21 July, sponsored by Marlow Ropes
Weston Sailing Club’s RS700 open sponsored by Marlow Ropes was an exclusive event with only three boats making it on the day. Nathan Steffenoni who was organising the event, Steve Carr and Malcolm Streeton. Steve easily got the prize for travelling the furthest, coming from Brightlingsea. Nathan and Malcolm who both live in Southampton had a much easier journey.
We were all guaranteed a podium position, but the question to settle was in what order. There were also some great prizes including new main sheets from Marlow, and we also spied some Rooster national tour caps on the table.
The forecast looked good for the weekend with 10-15 knots forecast both days.
Tide dictated an early 11am first race on Sat, but the wind was there and the band of WSC members worked hard to get things up and running promptly, as well as providing breakfast.
The Westerly wind made for shifty conditions, and dictated a shortish course with four laps each race.
With the small number of boats it was more like match racing than fleet racing, with every start hotly contested.
The first race managed to get away cleanly, and Nathan soon established a good lead, with Malcolm 2nd and Steve 3rd. However swinging into the forestay on the downwind leg left Nathan with a bloody nose, and sorting out the boat dropped him to 2nd. However superior speed got him back to 1st and the finishing order was Nathan, Malcolm then Steve.
The second race was less dramatic and the finishing order was the same.
The start of the final race of the day was fought hard again, and Nathan jumped the gun and had to return. This let Malcolm sail away in clean air and hold onto the lead for the first half of the race. However Nathan clawed it back to give the now familiar finishing order.
The gusty wind and short laps made for an enjoyable but tiring day and we were ready for a rest so we were very grateful that the same hard working WSC members had food ready and the bar open.
Later that evening a BBQ was planned, so it of cause it rained heavily. However that didn't stop us, the BBQ stayed dry under the club house eaves and we sat and ate looking out the West facing picture windows to where we were assured there was a great sunset behind the dark clouds.
Sunday the forecast was for NW wind, which coming off the land and over Southampton docks meant even more gusty conditions were expected. What wasn't expected was no wind. The start was delayed 30 minutes to let the wind build and the tide come in more, and it was looking like we would be OK. The race started, and the wind stopped again.
Nathan just made the windward mark within the 30 minute time limit so the race continued. Malcolm only a few boat lengths away took another 20 minutes to get round against the slight adverse tide. The wind briefly filled in allowing a relatively quick downwind leg, to meet up with Nathan who was having a similar problem at the leeward gate. It then became a neck and neck (very slow) rush to the finish. It looked like Malcolm had shut out Nathan to take a win, but he lost the winds (well stolen by an RS800) and drifted back allowing Nathan to claim another win.
There was only time for one more race, which was sailed in similar condition, but with less excitement. Nathan managed to just complete a lap, with the other two being finished on the course. We needed to get back in before the tide went out leaving a drag through mud to get out. The wind then started building to a pleasant 15 knots, which at least kept us cool whilst packing up our boats.
Nathan presented the prizes to both the RS800s and ourselves. He was very gracious awarding the prizes to others despite his resounding win.
The WSC team put on great racing in difficult conditions, kept us really well fed and watered. The open was a very friendly event.
Thanks to Marlow Ropes for sponsoring the event. Thank you to Rooster for sponsoring the RS700 National Tour.
Report by Malcolm Streeton