RS200 Open at Papercourt Sailing Club

Eight teams representing four different clubs arrived at Papercourt on Sunday 26th September to be greeted by a flat calm, hot coffee and bacon rolls. Fortunately - for once - the weather forecast proved to be spot on, delivering a progressively increasing breeze from the SSW, the best possible direction for the lake.

Race one saw local team of Jon Paton & Sue Michelmore take an early lead, soon to be overhauled by Enterprise class legends Nigel and Andy Bird who sailed off into the distance to take the win.

RS200s at Papercourt - photo © Peter Snow

Race two again saw Paton & Michelmore round the windward mark first, this time to extend away from James Williams & Sarah Tuppen of Lymington Town SC, who were just beginning to find their groove.

After an excellent lunch provided by a stellar galley team, racing reconvened in a strengthening wind for two further races. Race three saw James & Sarah lead from start to finish, followed by the Birds with Mark Thomas & Fiona Harrington from Weir Wood rounding out the top three.

RS200s at Papercourt - photo © Peter Snow

The final race was held in the strongest wind of the day, and was again won by the consistent James & Sarah from Lymington. Jon & Sue held on for 2nd place after a spectacular downwind capsize by the Birds, followed closely by David Jessop and Louise Sheridan representing Hayling Island SC.

Overall team James & Sarah took first prize, with Jon & Sue a close second by a single point, and Nigel and Andy took third.

RS200s at Papercourt - photo © Peter Snow

Thanks go to Papercourt's excellent volunteer catering team, who laid on a first-class lunch and post-race cakes, and to the race team who got 4 races away without a hitch, whilst also dealing with a large Aero fleet who were sharing the water for their own open.

Overall Results: