Page 36 - Yachter Spring/Summer 2021

36 RACING REPORTS
SB20 GRAND SLAM 2020!
It was a fantastic weekend in early August for the SB20s and the RSYC.Temperatures were high, but competition was higher! Team spirit also hit a high, as the race management team worked together to deliver this amazing three-day event out in the Solent.
Starts and finishes needed all eyes fixed on the line, as every boat in this competitive group took every opportunity to take first place! Positions changed daily.The wind changed hourly and the courses had to
be adjusted to accommodate changing conditions.
We were also lucky to have had Mark from Seatography onboard with his drone.A bird’s eye view literally!
First place went to Xcellent with a clear win whilst second place was finally taken by Ethel and in third place was Breaking Bod.At prize-giving the competitors could not have been more complimentary about our team.They were impressed with how professionally and quickly we turned the races around.
So, thank you to Race officer Stephen Parry with his team, Angela Parry, Jan and Neil Cox, Nathan Hamilton, Peter Davill, Martyn and Kim Clark, Dave Martin, Lisa
Topley and Mark (Seatography) We could not have done this without your support! I would like to believe that the RSYC
should become a Club well known once again for its well-run racing.While this was a relatively small event it certainly had its challenges, COVID-19 limiting Committee Vessel numbers, variable winds in both speed and direction and a hydraulic failure on a RIB to name three. But the RMT came up trumps and we had some fun!
Obviously, logistically it is more awkward to run an event from our Beaulieu base but there is not much to prevent us running events from Ocean Village, it just will take
a bit of lateral thinking! Small Keelboat Classes like the SB20s, Squibs and Flying 15s or maybe the Contessa 26s or Sonatas could be provided with great racing both
in Southampton Water and the nearby Solent.Our relationship with MDL would be an important factor and once we are through this pandemic, I want to discuss the possibilities of some temporary berthing with them.
Also, SWAC might be able to provide additional support both on and off the water. I would welcome any ideas from any of our members as to how we might progress this idea.The RMT is always ready and willing to teach new members and provide courses to further their skills. Please contact Lisa Topley if you would like to get involved.
Stephen Parry
Rear Commodore Sailing
Photos: Seatography and Dave Martin