Results

CONGRATULATIONS TO TOM MORRIS AND TOMMY DARLING 2024 RS800 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!

Great photos thanks to Digital Sailing.  You can buy photos from the superb event gallery here: Home (digitalsailing.co.uk)

Don't forget to use the code RS800NATS for 50% off. Valid until 30th September.

Thank you very much to HISC for hosting a fabulous event.  Thank you to our generous sponsors Noble Marine, RS Sailing, Rooster, Spinlock and Fernhurst Books.

Click on the report title to be taken directly to it:

Day one

Day two and three

Day four

Prize giving list

Runners and riders

RS800 Noble Marine National Championship Day One

Day one of the RS800 Noble Marine Nationals could be described as atmospheric.  Big puffy clouds pushed out to sea bringing bursts of brilliant sunshine and occasional deluges of rain.  The sea at times looked moody and foreboding and the next minute it was calm and serene.  Bizzarely, the cold Northerly wind meant that water temperature was more pleasant than air.  It was strange seeing sailors dipping their hands in to warm up.

Due to lighter winds forecasted later in the week, the race team opted to run a third race.  Despite the unexpected cold I think this was probably a wise decision given the fantastic racing conditions.  The Northerly breeze meant for some interesting swings and pressure channels as teams changed modes up the race course to deal with the shifting pressure.

Race one saw Rob Gullan and Tom Partington take a good lead at mark one.  The chasing pack included Tom Morris and Tommy Darling, Tinned Gratin and Arthur Henderson, David Conlon and Ed Gibbons, and Monique Vennis-Ozanne and Hugh Shone.  As the boats punched downwind and shuffled positions at the corners, it ended with a good win for Rob and Tom, a consolidated second place for Tom and Tommy, and third for Monique and Hugh.

Race two saw a more concerted push from Tom and Tommy from the off.  They blasted the first beat to look comfortable at the top.  Rob and Tom did their best to reel them in but it was not to be.  Again, Monique and Hugh wriggled their way into third and watched the duel in front keenly - waiting for a slip up.

The final race of the day got away after a shuffle of the course as the wind went hard right and reduced (after a particularly freezing rain shower and mini squall).  There was great impetus from the race team to get the final race in despite the non-compliant wind. 

Hard port bias and tide pushing boats back from the line made for a particularly messy start at the pin.  With teams bailing out all over the line and panicked tacks it was all very chaotic.  Meanwhile Tom and Tommy managed to stay clean and led the charge for the second race in a row.  Monique and Hugh held out left to sneak in at the top in second only to be instantly rolled by Rob and Tom.  The fleet was much more compact with Alex Smallwood and Toby Freeland, and Chris Feibusch and Matt Alvarado also looking interested.  With Tom and Tommy, and Rob and Tom both extending away things looked settled.  However sailing is never that straightforward.  Monique and Hugh caught a good band of pressure on the last downwind.  They ate up the meters on Rob and Tom and managed to sneak their noses in front right at the last.

With less wind today everyone is expecting the racing to get tighter and with the shifty Northerly breezewe can expect more snakes and ladders to keep everyone on their toes.  Wrap up warm everyone!

Report by Hugh Shone

Up on Y&Y here

RS800 Noble Marine National Championship Days Two and Three

Day two  flashed past with two great races.  Tom Morris and Tommy Darlingshowed the fleet a clean pair of heels with two comprehensive wins with their great boat speed in marginal conditions.  Breaking the strangle hold of podiums positions Tinned D’Gratin and Arthur Hendersun managed to hold off Rob Gullan and Tom Partinton on the long reach to the finish.  Race five followed more to form with Monique Vennis-Ozanne and Hugh Shone settling in third ahead of fast charging head of insight Ben Palmer and Bruna

De Quieroz.

Saturday dawned with a light Easterly breeze however the race team nailed the early launch to catch the sea breeze right on the nose.  Is that a saying?  It is now.

The fleet was treated to three epic races in wonderful conditions.  The top three consolidated despite some spicy coming together activities on the start line.  The black flag even appeared and caught Rob and Tom in race six.

The real highlight of the day, virtue of the race team getting the silly sailing done quickly, was the beach rounders.  Crews obliterated the helms.  It was a confident display with the crews dismantling the helms with ease, showing superior athleticism and strategy.  It ended 14 to 10 to the crews.

Report by Arthur Henderson

Up on Y&Y here

RS800 Noble Marine National Championship Wrap Up

The final day of racing at the 2024 Noble Marine RS800 National Champs bore witness to a masterclass from the race team as they held their nerve to get another two excellent races in before the 3pm cut off.  It meant that we were able to complete the full championship series and with it the curtain came down on yet another wonderful RS800 Nationals.  An event filled with sunshine, better than predicted breeze and with good racing throughout the fleet, oodles of competition.

Race nine saw a flying start from the top three podium boats.  Monique Vennis-Ozanne and Hugh Shone took a bit too long to come back out of the tide and handed the incentive to Tom Morris and Tommy Darling, and Rob Gullan and Tom Partington. As the boats blasted onto the reach, kites up and pushing for the wing mark it was apparent that Tom and Tommy had rigged their kite wrong.  If they are reading this, please do check out the excellent Mozzy Sails RS800 videos on YouTube for rigging tips and tricks.  Whilst Tommy did his best to resolve the issue, Tom and Rob shot off into the lead to take the win with Monique and Hugh nipping at their rudder stock.  Meanwhile, David Brand & Matt Currell took an excellent third after a couple of boats found that they had been OCS.

Race ten saw a more open field as the top three all departed for various reasons or boat issues.  It was the Dyer brothers, Michael and Samuel, who took advantage to scoop up 1st Silver Fleet boat overall with a fantastic win to end the event in style.  Bryan and Anna came home second to jump into fourth overall and David Brand and Matt Currell consolidated on their wonderful final day with another third.  Always brilliant to see fresh faces battling it out at the pointy end.

As the boats streamed in back in from the Bay, all could feel contented having been spoilt by four days of excellent skiff racing, slickly run and well-oiled with some great socials.  Curry house jaunts, intensely competitive beach rounders and a cracking 25^th anniversary dinner where we all learnt more of the origin story via Nick Peters. Thank you very much to Hayling Island Sailing Club for a fabulous event.  Thank you to our great sponsors Noble Marine, RS Sailing, Rooster, Spinlock, and Fernhurst Books.

Many congratulations to Tom Morris and Tommy Darling for a superb performance to take the Championship at their home club.  Rob Gullan and Tom Partington had a very credible go at dislodging Tom but ultimately came home in second ahead of Monique Vennis-Ozanne and Hugh Shone.  This gave Monique first youth and female helm in third overall.

All in all a superb event that saw a warming mix of old faces returning and new races joining the melee.  The class continues to offer attainable performance to such a wide variety of sailors and team make-ups. For those of you already missing the buzz of great RS800 racing, never fear The Tide Ride is just around the corner!

Report by Hugh Shone

Up on Y&Y here

Ellen McArthur Cancer Trust RS800 Spinnaker Raffle

Spinnaker kindly donated by RS Sailing.  Winner: Robyn Francis

RS800 Nationals Full Prize Giving List:

Best apprentice NEW trophy: Herne Bay SC Mike and Sam Dyer

Endeavour Trophy: Castle Cove SC Andy and Will Adler

3^rd Weekend: Datchet WSC Huw Whitworth and Harry Wilson

2^nd Weekend: QMSC Paris Thomas and Marta Uncio-Ribero

1^st Weekend: HISC Alice and Barney Thorsby

1^st Silver: Herne Bay SC Mike and Sam Dyer

Spinlock 1999 Prize for boat with sail no lower than 1118: OCSS Alex Smallwood and Toby Freeland

1^st Master Crew: HISC Matt Alvarado

1^st Master Helm: HISC Chris Feibusch

1^st Youth Crew: HISC James Hall

1^st Youth Helm: HISC Monique Vennis-Ozanne

1^st Lady Crew: QMSC Anna Ormond

1^st Lady Helm: HISC Monique Vennis-Ozanne

6^th place: crew’s union challenge coin: Brightlingsea SC David Conlon and Ed Gibbons

5^th place: crew’s union challenge coin: Royal Thames YC Tim Gratton and Arthur Henderson

4^th place: crew’s union challenge coin:  QMSC Bryan and Anna Ormond

3^rd place: HISC and Swanage SC Monique Vennis-Ozanne and Hugh Shone

2^nd place: HISC Rob Gullan and Tom Partington

1^st place and RS800 2024 National Champions: crew’s union challenge coin: HISC Tom Morris and Tommy Darling

Runners and Riders 2024 RS800 Noble Marine National Championship at Hayling Island Sailing Club

After apocalyptic levels of rain over the last few days, dare I say it can’t get any worse for the Nationals later this week...I mean surely there can't be a drop of moisture left in the sky after all that! 

Whilst the sun might be a distant memory, things are sure to heat up with the upcoming battle for RS800 Nationals glory about to take place in Hayling Bay.  With a mixture of old faces, new faces and faces which probably have not entered yet, we take a look at those battling for the top 10.

Tom Morris and Tommy Darling:

With the lingering uncertainty as to who Tom would team up with in the absence of Guy Filmore, there were a few milligrams of hope that the door to the title would be left slightly ajar.  However Tom could hardly have scooped a more capable replacement with the bullet train fast Tommy jumping on board. They are certainly going to be up there and pushing the front.  Will Tom’s jaunty outings in the Europe Class somehow rendered him useless in an 8? probably not.

Rob Gullan and Tom Partington:

A couple of rare sightings in the RS800 these two.  Whilst normally found to be hibernating for the rest of the year (pursuing other interests) they are often spotted by the keen twitcher swinging in at pace at the occasional RS800 Nationals and this year is no exception.  They’ve come close before and it would be no surprise to see another royal rumble at the top of the order.

Monique Vennis-Ozanne and Hugh Shone:

Where youthful hunger for glory and natural talent meets slightly exhausted dad with endless amounts of waffle.  Whilst coming second in basically every race at the Euros these two are looking to do one better. They even had a quick practice sail earlier in the week where the event was discussed in some depth...and chances that fungus might be controlling humanity, in a lot more detail.

Tim Gratton (not to be mistaken with Tin Gratton) and Arthur Henderson:

Tim’s been in and out of the RS800 more times than a woodpecker in a soft oak and so arrives with buckets of experience.  With the joyfully exuberant Arthur Henderson in tow these two will get better as the event progresses (or worse depending on how the socials regress).  Either way, a very talented duo who will keep everyone honest in their pursuit of the championship.

Geoffrey Carveth and Lesley Dhonau:

With a super impressive track record in multiple classes and excellent local knowledge (eg code to get into the changing rooms), we can expect a lot from this pair.  Only raced against them once in Garda where they were occasionally rapid and occasionally chaotic, will a few more years in the boat have honed their skills? Most definitely!

Cameron Moss and Darrol Moss:

Darrol was last spotted elbow deep in a soup of the day and Cameron has been earning his stripes at Top Gun / Exeter Airport /EasyJet / somewhere above our heads / I don’t actually know I must catch up with him to find out more, so who knows if these two are still lightning quick in the big breeze.  If so, brace brace brace and hold onto your bucket hats as the wave happy Moss Bros will be coming in at Lyme Regis pace.

Ben Palmer and Bruna de Queiroz:

I can only imagine Ben’s sales pitch in the course of entering this one.  “Yes of course it will be blazingly sunny in early September, the most gorgeous time of the year”.  Well how things pan out hey.  Despite what seems like a particularly grey take on an Indian summer, Ben and Bruna always have a way of wiggling their way to the front and with a new boat it is only assumed that their wiggling will be weally wery good.

Chris Feibusch and Matt Alvarado:

Long standing but short in stature, Chris has had a massive impact on the class over the years.  He pushed for crew sheeting and then almost immediately started doing more helming because he is clearly very lazy. Matt’s been given the grunty bit.

Bryan Ormond and Anna Ormond:

Always easy to spot with their English Channel spanning rack set-up, these two will be eeking out a few extra nuggets of boat speed with their very shiny new boat.  They already take up half the start line and they are coming for the podium next.

Ralph Singleton and A N Nother:

I’m going to assume Ralph has managed to sign up the elusive Amadeus Napolean Nother.  Let’s be honest this would not be an RS800 Runners and Riders without mentioning Ralph’s undying loyalty to the port flyer at whatever cost.  Often executed cleanly, without fuss and with a short, sharp high-pitched yelp, it really is a beautiful thing to behold.

Fred Lord and Louise Gale:

Last spotted helping the RS800 quiz team at the Lymington Open avoid dead last place by the skin of their teeth.  This pair aren't just a bunch of pretty faces with some random knowledge about the nationality of horses competing at the Olympics and whether they need to be born in the same countries as the riders they are competing with - they are also really handy RS800 sailors with some random knowledge about the nationality of horses competing at the Olympics and whether they need to be born in the same countries as the riders they are competing with.  I can’t remember the answer to that one.

See you at HISC 12-15 September for the 2024 RS800 Nationals!

Not yet entered?  Don’t worry!  You can enter on paper in person at registration.  See the event website here

Up on Y&Y here

RS800 Class

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CONGRATULATIONS TO ROB HIGGINS 2024 RS700 NATIONAL CHAMPION!

Great photos thanks to Digital Sailing.  You can buy photos from the superb event gallery here: Home (digitalsailing.co.uk)

Don't forget to use the code RS700NATS for 50% off. Valid until 30th September.

Thank you very much to HISC for hosting a fabulous event.  Thank you to our generous sponsors Noble Marine, RS Sailing, Rooster, and Fernhurst Books.

Click on the report name to be taken directly to it:

Day one

Day two

Day three

Day four

Prizegiving List

RS700 Noble Marine National Championship Day One

Great to see a fleet of 27 boats congregate at Hayling Island Sailing Club for the Noble Marine National Championship.  A mixed forecast for the coming days meant that there was likely to be something for everyone, but with light winds predicted for Friday, the Race Officer and sailors agreed to try for three races on day one.  The D flag was hoisted and the fleet sailed out to course area A, near Hayling beach and ideal for the forecast North Westerlies.

The RO and their team of mark layers, safety boats and other volunteers did a great job of setting the trapezoid course, with inner and outer loops, the RS700s destined to sail on the outer loop with 3 x 2 lap races whilst the RS800s would sail the inner course.  Racing got underway in good time in a shifty 10-12 knots of breeze.  Two distinct groups split the beat with half the fleet tacking early and heading for the beach led by The Punisher (720) and its helm Richard (go right) Wadsworth, and the other half being shown a clear set of heels by Rob Higgins in 1055.  Richard benefitted from a wind bend in shore and arrived at the windward mark first ahead of Robbie Bell, closely followed by Rob.  Rob and Robbie exchanged places on the reach with Richard setting his chute and heading off on starboard, however Rob closely followed by Nathan Steffenoni gybed early benefitting from additional pressure.  All were close at the leeward mark, but Rob pulled out a lead on the second beat and extended to get the first of 3 bullets for that day.  There was plenty of close racing and place changing throughout the remainder of the fleet meaning that everyone had plenty to consider for the following races.  

Race 2 got underway promptly and saw the fleet split once more, however this time going inshore didn’t work, the bend had gone and those that went right, lost out to those that found more pressure and better angles on the left.  Rob Higgins once more popped out in front (I’m told having been too far back to see) closely followed by European champion Matt Carter, they held their positions until the finish followed in by Czech Ace Marek Dudak.

After race 2 a big squall came through accompanied by rain and a right hand shift which saw a course re-set, unfortunately as the boats were in the final few seconds of the sequence the wind continued to shift and the RO postponed the start to reset for a fair start.  Race 3 saw the most challenging race yet: pressure varied throughout the course with big shifts, holes and gusts resulting in snakes and ladders racing for everyone, except Rob Higgins who had his strategy nailed down.  James Bayliss (944) had recently dusted his boat off having not sailed it for five years and put in some good legs, but to be fair there were plenty of newcomers to the class putting in a good shift, not to mention Tom Playford from Snettisham and the significant showing from Dabchicks SC who all showed some real speed throughout the day.  Race race 3 ended with Nathan in 2nd, Matt in 3^rd, legend Pete Purkiss finishing in 4^th, and last year’s champion John Booth in 5th.

All boats returned to the beach and received a cold beer in exchange for their tally - very welcome after a tough day on the water.

Yet again the RS700 fleet showed there’s some great racing to be had for all, in what is an accessible, affordable and great fun skiff, get in touch if you’d like to find out more!

Report by Robbie Bell

Up on Y&Y here

RS700 Noble Marine National Championship Day Two

Following on from Robbie’s smashing report of yesterday racing we all arrived for another day in a questionable forecast.  

After a few extra coffees during an hour’s postponement we were surprisingly released.  This was a sound call from the RO and team because when we arrived on the course we had a great 8-10 knots and a relatively steady breeze. 

Race one got off promptly with most of the fleet pushing the line and a clear start with the fleet splitting from the start.  Matt Carter took an early lead with Ian Swann rounding the top mark second.  Ian decided to treat the fleet to some breakdancing and went for a cool down.  Close racing throughout the fleet saw positions constantly changing.  Matt Carter held on to his lead with a recovering Rob Higgins pulling through to second.  Our current champion John Booth showed his downwind speed taking a few places on the last run to take third. 

The fleet was quick to finish and the second race of the day followed promptly, starting in a slightly less breeze.  Again it was a clean start and we had a real split in the fleet with both sides paying a little more than we had seen before.  The wind was a little shiftier over the race course and Rob took the lead at the top mark followed by James Clark, Matt Carter and Jack Grogan.  Once again the fleet saw some really close racing.  By the bottom mark the race team had moved the windward mark left a little and the leaders were split at the bottom mark heading to opposite corners of the track.  James and Jack took advantage of the shifts on the right and gained on the leaders.  Lots of changes were made across the fleet with positions gained seeing James Clark take a close win from Rob and Jack taking 3^rd.  Matt took 4th with Tom, John and James Bayliss finishing closely.  It was great to see the whole fleet pushing each other and good results across the board.  

The RO made a great call and sent all in to the bar for stories of a sunny day and hope that the wind continues into the weekend.  It’s all play for and a long way to go.  

Now back for the beers.  

Report by James Clark

Up on Y&Y here

RS700 Noble Marine National Championship Day Three

The fleet arrived at the club to be greeted by mirror flat water and wall to wall sunshine.  It was safe to say the Dabchicks contingent, after indulging heavily at the bar in the after sailing social the day before, were banking on there being a postponement.  However, the race officer had different ideas and instructed us to launch and drift out the race area, not ideal words to hear for the many with sore heads!

Once at the race area we were welcomed with a 7-10 knot Southerly.  Jack Grogan and James Clark headed right.  James held his nerve and pushed further right than anyone else and got rewarded at the top mark leading the fleet round.  He was closely followed by John Booth and Mike Banks showing that the Dabchicks Sailing Commodore works well with an expresso martini and negroni induced hangover.  As the wind clocked further right the course became one sided keeping those three in the podium positions.  However, John managed to sneak past James at the final mark leaving John 1st, James 2nd and Mike 3rd.

Race Two:  The breeze built.  Robbie Bell and Matt Carter arrived at the top mark joined together, but it was Rob Higgins who decided to jump first on the breezy but overly tight reach and hoist and smoked through the big bunch of boats.  From there the hammer was down and he chased down Robbie and Matt just getting the win, then it was Matt, then Robbie.  Tom Playford showed his nose at the front grabbing and 5th and James Bayliss back from International 14 duty had a steady result in 4th.

Race Three: It was now champagne sailing with the breeze at 15knots.  The pin end was the place to be. Sam Caslin won it and showed great speed.  Pistol Pete Purkiss lived up to his name with a UFD, the only sailor so far to get the wrong side of the line this week.  John Booth treated the committee boat to a view of his underside after catching the committee boat with his tiller extension resulting in a rapid bear away on the gun and big crash.  Just shows that the current national champ can get it wrong too.

The race unfolded with the left paying.  Rob lead with Nathan on his heels until he capsized at the final mark relinquishing his 3rd place to James Clark, with Robbie grabbing 2nd.  However, with the breeze up there was close racing in the fleet.  Rich Wadsworth had a ding dong with Matt Carter for a most of the race.  Tom Dutton, a stronger wind specialist, unfortunately broke his goose neck so it was a shame he had an early bath as it would have been good to where he fitted in with the stronger breeze.

Special mention must go to Rob who has now won the 2024 RS700 Noble Marine national championship with a day to spare.  He has shown great boat speed combined with great tactics.  So it is very well deserved.

Day four looms, again with a light forecast, but this time just two races scheduled.

Report by Jack Grogan

Up on Y&Y here 

RS700 Noble Marine National Championship Day Four

The fourth and final day of the 2024 RS700 Nationals had a similar feel.  Too many dark and stormies from the previous night were being regretted, breakfasts were being demolished and mirror-like conditions again met the fleet.  Just like the last two days though wind was forecast, the fleet just had to wait for it. 

After a postponement the fleet drifted out on the tide into the stunning Hayling Bay to wait for the breeze. At first it didn't look promising but all of a sudden the fans got switched on, the race team sprang into action and we were into race nine. 

Although the top step of the podium had been confirmed the next two steps were far from done.  Current European champion Matt Carter, James Clark, Robbie Bell and Jack Grogan all sat tightly bunched on points. 

10 knots and some funky Hayling chop led to some challenging conditions.  Rob Higgins got the cleanest lane out to the left-hand side and tacked to clear the fleet.  Behind James Clark continued his late charge to round comfortably in second.  Matt Carter knew he just had to keep the gap to James to a minimum and rounded next in a tight pack.  Rob extended away to take the win with James coming home in second.  Colin Dacey had a great second beat to overtake Matt into third but couldn't quite hold onto it on the run home. 

Race ten: With the cut-off time for racing fast approaching the ever efficient race team set a course, raised the black flag and got the fleet into the final race.  James Clark hit the line hard and led the charge over to the left-hand side.  His eyes must have lit up when he looked back to see Matt Carter getting second row off the line.  He rounded the top mark just in front of fellow Chew sailor Rob.  James Bayliss (despite his lack of time in the boat) was again showing his speed to lead a tightly bunched chasing pack.  A dodgy hoist from James Clark allowed Rob through.  A split at the bottom gate saw James Clark sail in his own personal wind bend to take the lead.  Matt Carter quickly made his way through the fleet.  James took the win and could only hope for others help to leapfrog Matt.  Rob came in second with Matt showing why he is European champion recovering to take third and keep hold of second place overall. 

At the prize giving Race Officer Mark Darling drew the raffle for the Ellen Macarthur Cancer Trust.  The prize was an RS700 spinnaker generously donated by RS Sailing.  The lucky winner was Mike Banks.

A very big thank you to Hayling Island Sailing Club for providing an excellent full series of ten races and for looking after us so well on the shore.  Thank you to our title sponsor Noble Marine, Fernhurst Books our Endeavour prize sponsor, and Rooster our prize giving sponsor.

Report by Rob Higgins

Up on Y&Y here

Prize Giving List

Ellen McArthur Cancer Trust RS700 Spinnaker Raffle

Spinnaker kindly donated by RS Sailing.  Winner: Mike Banks

RS700

1^st Youth: nobody eligible so not awarded

Endeavour Trophy: Fernhurst Books voucher: Chew Valley Lake SC Elliot Booley

1^st Weekend: HISC Malcolm Streeton

Fidelis Trophy: Weston SC Nathan Steffenoni

1^st Bronze: Lyme Regis SC Simon Clark

1^st Silver: Dabchicks SC Sam Caslin

1^st Apprentice: Snettisham Beach SC Tom Playford

1^st Master: Lancing SC Matt Carter

6^th place: Snettisham Beach SC Tom Playford

5^th place: West Mersea YC and Dabchicks SC Jack Grogan

4^th place: Snettisham Beach SC Robbie Bell

3^rd place: Chew Valley Lake SC James Clark

2^nd place: Lancing SC Matt Carter

1^st place and RS700 National Champion for 2024: Chew Valley Lake SC Rob Higgins

RS700 Class

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