Class Association
This was the first time that the RS Feva class was involved in an event with the other adult RS fleets. It proved an excellent showcase as the Feva youngsters were able to see the whole 'RS stable'.
The Feva National Coach - Dave Hivey is a former RS200 & RS400 National Champion & currently campaigns an RS800, so he received a huge cheer as he went to recieve his prize.
The fleets were split onto two trapezoid courses with CRO ( Course race Officer ) Dave Hazard running the RS100/300/500/600/700 on the first start on outer loop; then an RS800 start followed by an RS400 start both on the inner loop.
With very light 4 - 5 knot breezes the RS400's glided past many of the 8's. The CRO did well to get all three races done & dusted before the beautiful sun set.
Andy Bull was CRO for the RS200 & Feva course. Conditions were made extremely challenging as the committee boat was restricted to a 'fixed' mooring which resulted in lack of space whenever the wind swung right.
The team managed to 'tweak' the course for the second race & the 200's were sent off whilst the Feva's were still plodding around the long course.
The light conditions proved very difficult for the Feva back markers but the CRO took the opportunity to finish some at the top or bottom of the inner loop.
The 200's got three races in with the Feva's only two on the saturday.
On sunday a thick frost & thin fog covered the area. The campers looked cold but the club provided a great breakfast.
At 10 am on the dot the starts got away. The 200/Feva had a much better course & the wind built to 8 knots at times so some crews managed to stretch their legs & the wind direction stayed pretty constant, which is unusual for Datchet.
All fleets observed a 1 minite silence as a sign of respect for Rembrance Day, with finishing hoots & whistles plus starting sequences resuming at 11.05.
The sun shone all day long & with 3 races for all, the sailors returned to shore pretty happy with November racing.
