NEARLY 200 sailors descended on North Berwick for a week of intense racing as the Noble Marine Rooster National RS200 Championships took place recently.
Competitors from throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland were treated to some of the best conditions that East Lothian Yacht Club is renowned for, with strong winds early on bringing large waves, testing the resolve of the competitors, and lighter conditions midweek enabling those slighter sailors a chance to show their tactical prowess.
Racing was so tight that the top spots were decided in the ninth of the 10 races, with Arran Holman and James Crossley, from Hollowell Sailing Club, being crowned overall championship winners.
Local talent Brendan Lynch and Ellen Clark came in fourth, putting in a superb showing against members of the British Sailing Team.
Another local, Roo Purvis, was crowned first Junior Helm with crew Rachel Scarfe placing a highly commendable 18th overall.
The RS200, a double-handed sailing dinghy, is a fast and agile boat attracting members of the British Sailing Team, Olympic hopefuls, experienced and young racers alike, creating a very competitive fleet.
Mat Ford, Commodore of East Lothian Yacht Club (ELYC), felt that it had been a great week of racing.
He said: “ELYC is one of the few volunteer-run clubs in the country that can put this kind of event on, and deliver it to the standard that we do, year on year.
“From the organisation of the dinghy park and rescue boat crews to the principal race officer, Robbie Lawson, and those arbitrating hearings on racing rule violations, every individual is a volunteer; that goes to show the wealth of knowledge and experience of the members of ELYC.
“Over 75 volunteers were involved in the week of the championships, and the many weeks leading up to it. I can’t thank them enough.
“I’d also like to say a big thank you to the RS association for choosing North Berwick as this year’s venue and to our sponsor Stewart Brewing, who help to make these events possible.”
Next year, ELYC will host a single-handed dinghy, the Solo, for its national championship event.
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