RS400 & RS200 Nationals Report
12 September
Blustery conditions formed the backdrop to the Irish RS400 & RS200 National Championships, which took place in picturesque Cushendall Co. Antrim from Friday the 9th to Sunday the 11th of September.
The event saw eighteen RS400 and thirteen RS200s compete. Three boats made the trip up from the Royal St George, two RS400s and one RS200. There were five races held over Friday and Saturday, while gusts of nearly 40 knots saw Sunday’s races abandoned.
Heather Craig of the George took a fantastic second place overall in the RS200 fleet, all the more impressive as it was Heather’s first event of the season. Better late than never, as the old saying goes.
In the RS400 fleet, Emmet Ryan from the George finished level on points with the overall leader, but was relegated to fourth place when a discard was applied. Richard Tate had some solid performances in the earlier races and is sure to build on this, his first event in the RS400.
For those interested in seeing the RS400s and RS200’s in action. A sprint event for Dún Laoghaire Harbour is in the early stages planning. It is hoped that the event will take place on Saturday the 22nd of October within the Harbour walls. It is expected that ribs will be made available to take those interested up close to all the action for a proper look.
Some of the Racing from Cushendall can be viewed on youtube at the following links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuXA0m5jL54
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGgO5sruaLE&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmVqEzZO7s8&feature=BFa&list=ULxuXA0m5jL54&lf=mfu_in_order
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ckWmTm5kHE&feature=BFa&list=ULEmVqEzZO7s8&lf=mfu_in_order
