RS Racing - October 2006

It's been a top October for RS fleets, the RS200 Inlands had a record turnout of 111 boats and the flight system worked far better than we had a hope to expect; congratulations to Tom/Jo Hewitson for winning the Inlands 5 times in the last 6 years - what an achievement in that fleet. The 400s had an awesome turnout of 31 boats for the Irish Nationals, a record for a Eurocup outside of the UK, followed by a real bounce back to form with 51 boats at their breezy Inlands this weekend - well done to Nick Craig and James Stewart. The 6/7/8's all had a very healthy entries for their Inlands, congrats to Olly Straker, Andy Peake and Justin Deal/Sarah Marriott for winning their respective class Inlands. LDC also are building a batch of new 600s as they have good order numbers. But my story of the month has to be the RS300 closely followed by the RS Vareo. The RS300s had 31 boats at their Inlands, the largest ever RS300 event since they were launched and what great racing they had; many congratulations to Steve Bolland for winning the Inlands. Four to five years ago the future for the 300 did not look good with very poor turnouts at events but, due to the enthusiasm of a small group of owners, this has been totally reversed. There is real strength up north, in Scotland and at clubs like Milton Keynes. The entry for the Inlands is even more remarkable when you realise that there was only one boat from Scotland in the 31 at Rutland this weekend; if all those at the Inlands commit to the Nationals next year and the Scots are able to mount a raid we are on course for a 40 boat Nats; how good would that be? The value of second hand 300s has risen sharply in the last two years and LDC are building the second batch of new 300s in two years. Big vote of thanks to Ian Baillie who stood down as 300 rep earlier this year as he really galvanised the owners into action. Also praise to LDC who did not drop the 300 unlike the practice of other manufacturers, what value an EPS now let alone a Laser 3000, Bull, Breeze amongst others? The Vareos had 26 boats at the Inlands which I am pretty sure is their best ever event with again top racing with Andy Temple winning on the final run. Now let's be honest, Vareo owners, there has been rather a bit too much talking the talk on your mailing list about events but just look what happens when you do hitch the boat on the back of the car. Good atmosphere, good racing and the way forward for the class suddenly looks a whole lot rosier. The Vareo class committee has taken some very sensible decisions with regard events next year; the racing circuit is concentrated on clubs with Vareo strength such as Alton Water, Broadstairs and Llandegfedd. The Nationals format has been changed to a three day event in late July at Netley SC to avoid big waves and tricky launching. Let's build on the momentum the Inlands will give the class and make 2007 the year people really take notice of the Vareo by supporting these events. And Steve Dunn has taken delivery of his RS500 so look out for noise from that class very soon! Pete Vincent Chairman, RS Association