RS Aero 5 & 7 UK National Championship and International Open at Tenby Sailing Club - Day 1 & 2

2023 RS Aero 5 and 7 UK National Championship & International Open © Tenby Sailing Club

54 RS Aero 5 & 7s have been enjoying Tenby in South Wales to contest the 2023 RS Aero 5&7 UK Nationals. Tenby's vibrant town, welcoming sailing club and wonderful beaches provide an excellent setting for this year's week-long champs.

For the first two days breezes have been fresh from the southwest with wonderful waves creating exhilarating sailing with splendid downwind surfs and then a free ride back upwind on the ebb tide! Three races each day with three laps on each of the inner and outer loop courses with downwind gates have given the racers plenty to think about.

Tired but smiling bodies return ashore with abundance of race stories at the end of each day.

2023 RS Aero 5 and 7 UK National Championship & International Open - photo © Tenby Sailing Club

The RS Aero 7 fleet is tightly contested at the front. Tim Hire (Lymington) is a couple of points clear with three 1sts. Jack Miller (Felpham) is close behind after a 1,2,3 on day 2. A few points back are Noah Rees (Torpoint Mosquito) and Peter Barton (Lymington) with a win each.

In the RS Aero 5s Tom Ahlheid (Frensham) has been revelling in the fresh conditions with a string of four solid 1sts. In the chase are Andrew Frost (Sutton Bingham) counting 2s and 3s, Mark Ripley (Paignton) and Sam Blaker (Thorpe Bay) with a win each and Tristan Ahlheid (Frensham).

2023 RS Aero 5 and 7 UK National Championship & International Open - photo © Tenby Sailing Club

A full social programme is arranged in Tenby's lovely clubhouse on the harbour quay. The Commodore's Reception provided an excellent spread of tasty food which followed the Race Briefing and pre-event coaching session ashore. Daily awards and Top-Tips from the leaders at the end of Day 1.

After Day 2 it was the Class annual AGM followed Penderyn Welsh Whisky tasting evening which proved very popular sampling four of their best single malts. Penderyn are generously providing six of their popular Madeira casked whisky as prizes. Later in the week are the BBQ, Disco and Band evenings.

Every day has a Happy Hour at Tenby Sailing Club!

Thanks to Rooster and Penderyn Welsh Whisky for their excellent support!

5 Rig Results:

7 Rig Results: