Rockshore / Bosun Bobs RS400 Winter Series set for 18th Year at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club
by Gerry Reid 29 Oct 10:03 GMT
3 November - 22 December 2024
It doesn't seem that long ago since the last Rockshore / Bosun Bobs RS400 Winter Series at Royal North. This ever-popular winter sailing event returns next Sunday 3rd November, running for eight weeks through to 22nd December including the infamous Christmas Race. This will be the 18th year of this event, and 24 boats are expected to enter!
Last year's winners Peter Kennedy and Stephen Kane will on the start line to defend their title, wanting to turn a hat trick into a haul! But that might be difficult as the level of competition at this event is fierce. Last year's runner up Tom Purdon won't want to give the Kennedy / Kane duo an easy time. Also, at the top of the fleet will be Andrew Vaughan and Ross Kearney doubling up this year to get a higher placement than last year's 3rd.
The start line will also include Bob Espey and Micheal Ferguson fresh from their all-Ireland Sailing Championship win, funnily enough on a RS400! Last year, when the boys could make a race, they pretty much dominated the fleet.
Then we must consider Liam Donnely and Rick McCaig, last year's 4th place. Liam, affectionately known as Uncle Liam to the fleet, regularly gives the youngsters a masterclass in sheer boat handling at fast speeds. Other notable entries include Andrew Irwin and Aisling O'Grady who are making the weekly trip up from Dublin. Ben Martin and Rory Flanagan will be worth watching as they have proved in the past to be a slippery duo also in the mix.
Another threat to the leaders is Hammy Baker and Dan Sheriff, 5th last year. New to the fleet this year are Zach Dalzell and Max Robinson, who are keen to enter the lion's den! Also joining the newbies is Adam Lochart on Woo Kearney's 400. We can't rule out, and you are the first to hear it here, Dave Cheyne is coming out of retirement and sailing with Susan McKnight! Dave was one of those hardy few who competed in the very first RS400 winter series 18 years ago!
The fun starts next Sunday 1.30 at Cultra.