Latest RS500 News Feedhttp://www.rs-association.comThe RS500 calendar for 2012 is now available at http://www.rs-association.com/index.asp?fleet=RS500 and selection=events http://www.rs-association.com/index.asp?fleet=RS500 and selection=events and gt; Details of each event will be added to the website over the next few weeks. The NoR for 2012 will also be on the website under Documents by the end of the month. Are now available at http://tinyurl.com/3m5d22eThe results for all our Championships in the RS Games are now available on our homepage at http://www.rs-association.com/What a day! We are all eating fish and chips now delivered in a lovely tram and about to wear ourselves out more with Games Night. Human Table Football golf range radio controlled boats .Day two of the Magic Marine RS500 World Championships brought totally different wind conditions and introduced a mix of top contenders. Alex Mobbs and Bryan Taylor proved they’re not just made for the high winds winning both races. However they had to fight for their wins with the racing incredibly close and hard fought right to the finish line.Around 60 boats started the two races that were held inside the harbour. The light shifty conditions meant that it could have been any of the top 10 boats making it over the finish line in first position. Significant wind shifts during the starting sequence made it difficult for race officer ‘Arky’ to get the second start underway with two last-minute postponements and finally the black flag coming out again.Showing good consistent form in the difficult conditions were team Hong Kong – Lars Schkade and Justin Tse – who claimed two third positions with exceptional downwind speed. Fellow team mates – Cosmas Grelon and Will Stephens – along with Brits Mike Saul and Meg Fletcher and 2010 World Champions Tim Wilkins and st1:personnameHeather Martin/st1:personname also did well.Close racing throughout the fleet was shown by the fact that the whole fleet finished within five minutes of each other.Overall Alex and Bryan are looking good for the championships but Dutch team Barend and Max are in second and looking forward to another windy day! Mike and Meg are in third closely pursued by Tim and Heather in fourth. It’s anyone’s game.Following the official racing was a ‘fun race’ to end the day. The fleet attempted a gate start which was led by RS International Chairman st1:personnameMichiel Geerling/st1:personname as the ‘path-finder’. He successfully got the fleet off to a good start with a number of boats having a good tussle up front. Rounding the windward mark in first position was husband and wife team - James and Lucinda Tanner (st1:stocktickerGBR/st1:stockticker) - who kept their lead and finished in first. Johan Rook swapped his usual crew for fellow Swedish team mate Axel Lohansson and came a close second with father and son team - Peter and James Curtis (st1:stocktickerGBR/st1:stockticker) - coming in third; youngster James helmed the boat instead of sailing in his usual crewing position.The Dutch sailing team held a party for the RS500 sailors in st1:cityst1:placeWeymouth/st1:place/st1:city town at the local theatre and proved they know how to work hard on the water and play hard on land. The hosts wore custom made Dutch outfits and served tasty (dangerous!) green and brown spirits to the crowd as they enjoyed the view of st1:cityst1:placeWeymouth/st1:place/st1:city carnival from the sun-deck. The Red Arrows performed overhead and fireworks were let off from the bay and then it was back indoors for some dancing to the ‘Magic Marine’ song specially composed for the RS500 Worlds by a Dutch DJ. The crowd was pleased to welcome st1:stocktickerGBR/st1:stockticker Olympic sailor Ben Ainslie along who must have heard about the legendary Dutch party spirit! Day one of the Magic Marine RS500 World Championship and Weymouth didnt disappoint. As the wind built so did the anticipation in the boat park; there were some nerves as well as a fresh south-westerly blowing across the dinghy park. Crews from around the world had come together to take part in the second championship for this young class with entry numbers doubling from 2010; 52 boats hit the water representing eight nations.it made for a spectacular start line. Two windward-leeward races (with a windward spreader mark and leeward gate) were held on a large course set in Weymouth bay. The waves were significantly bigger on the ocean than in the shelter of the harbour and added an extra boat-handling challenge on top of the gusting force 5 winds. The first race got away with just an individual recall and it was clear that Dutch crew Barend Hiltermann and Max Blom meant business as they flew up the first beat. Brits Alex Taylor and Bryan Mobbs were hot on their tale and then came a gap before the following pack. Close racing was had in various groups throughout the fleet. The downwind legs were hairy and claimed a few victims but made for some high-adrenline high-performance sailing. The Dutch safely sealed their first place with Brits coming second and third Phil Highfield and Tamsin Butcher put in an impressive performance and held off the three other boats chasing them down in their pack. The second race saw a general recall and everyone was called back to the start line for a second try and race officer Arky didnt miss the opportunity to fly his enormous black Guinness flag (which stands in for a normal black flag). It wasnt long before he had everyone battling up the first beat again and the leading two teams once again showed the way; this time it was GBR Alex and Bryan heading the charge taking a commanding lead which they held until the end of the race. Mike Saul and Meg Fletcher finished in third to seal off a good consistent day of racing for them. Competitors gathered back on land after nearly four gruelling hours on the water and needless to say all were physically worn out and in need of some liquid refreshment amply provided by Spinnakers bar in the impressive Olympic venue. Perhaps the highlight of the day was being a part of and looking back on 53 black spinnakers belting 3.3 nautical miles down to the start line. Theres no doubt that the RS500 will be a class in the spotlight at the RS Games a multi-class extravaganza taking place at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy exactly one year ahead of the Olympic Games. Racing nine races between 16-20th August this double-handed trapeze class will compete for both the UK National and the World Championships. This dual championship marks the coming of age of the RS500 being by far and away the biggest event that the class has held so far; 56 entries have already been taken for the Magic Marine RS500 World Championship. Half of the entries (28 boats) have come from the st1:country-region w:st= and quot;on and quot;st1:place w:st= and quot;on and quot;UK/st1:place/st1:country-region with the other half of the fleet hailing from abroad. Entries have come from across Europe and even as far away as st1:place w:st= and quot;on and quot;Hong Kong/st1:place. Followers of this fleet could be mistaken for thinking that the championship will be a two horse race. Tim Wilkins/Heather Martin (Hickling Broad) start as favourites following wins at the RS500 World Championship in st1:city w:st= and quot;on and quot;st1:place w:st= and quot;on and quot;Holland/st1:place/st1:city last year as well as at the 2010 UK National Championship. But stiff competition will come from 2009 European Champions Alex Taylor/Bryan Mobbs (Budworth) who will be eager to reverse the 2010 Worlds result when they settled for second. However these top tips will be faced with some serious competition from mother-daughter team Debbie and Charlie Darling. A past double Olympian 470 sailor Debbie (nee Jarvis) will be crewed by her 14 year old daughter Charlie who is current RS Feva National Champion and 2010 World Champion. A formidable duo indeed! Also in with a good chance is Mike Saul (Yorkshire Dales) who was the inaugural class National Champion in 2007. Mike is returning to the RS500 class after a short break and doubtlessly will be keen to push back onto the pace. Strong performances to date on the 2011 st1:country-region w:st= and quot;on and quot;st1:place w:st= and quot;on and quot;UK/st1:place/st1:country-region class circuit indicate that the Curitss (Island Barn) and Phil Highfield/Tamsin Butcher (Great Yarmouth) could well also be in contention especially at the latter pairing were runners up at last years Nationals. And of course with such a strong international presence theres sure to be a few foreign faces at the front of the fleet giving the Brits a run for their money. Amongst the most promising teams are Michael Geerling/Hilde van Susante (Holland) who have steadily been increasing their game from a 6th place at the 2010 Worlds gaining second place at the RS Eurocup in Carnac in May. On behalf of the Dutch RS500 Class Association I (Nick van Alphen) would like to give you the dates of the upcoming RS500 events in Holland. Im working on a new dutch website which uses your Google Calender for the international RS500 events. Would it be possible to add the dutch dates to the calender (Done!)? This way we might get some crew from other countries to the sailing events in Holland. More boats more beers more fun! (clearly got the right idea!!) 1st Official Dutch National Championship 2-4 september 2011 @ KNZ and RV Muiden (one of the finest sailing clubs in Holland) Open Dutch Skiff Trophy 17-18 september 2011 @ Aquavitesse Bruinisse (Richards place) Future events for 2012 will be announced later this season. See you in Weymouth! Some of you have already found the entry form and information on the 2011 Zhik RS Eurocup and we have 20 entries to date over the 6 invited fleets. As we have our RS Games taking up lots of August we have moved the 2011 Eurocup to the late May Bank Holiday - 28-31 May - so you only need to take one day off work. We are returning to the popular venue of YC Carnac Brittany who hosted such a great Regatta for us in July 2009. Pre-entry is essential for this event and there is a early entry discount for those entering before 1 May. Loads of information and entry forms are at - RS200 - http://www.rs-association.com/champs/index.asp?eid=36 RS400 - http://www.rs-association.com/champs/index.asp?eid=37 RS500 - http://www.rs-association.com/champs/index.asp?eid=38 RS600 - http://www.rs-association.com/champs/index.asp?eid=39 RS700 - http://www.rs-association.com/champs/index.asp?eid=237 RS800 - http://www.rs-association.com/champs/index.asp?eid=40 The link gives details of the Tourist Information office who have details of loads of local accommodation. I also have these in document form - if youd like to received contact heatherc@rs-association.com The club have also told me about a local flat for 4 - Residence Maeva contact 0033 (0)2 97 52 22 68 or cko@maeva.com Any queries do heatherc@rs-association.comEntries are now open for the 2011 RS500 World Championships. To find out lots of useful information please go to www.irsca.rssailing.net This event is being held on 16th - 20th August 2011 at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy and will run alongside the RS Games which will include championships for 8 other RS classes so it should be a very exciting event. We have finalised the RS500 Calendar for 2011. Details are below.5/6 Feb - Tiger Trophy Rutland SC Gul Grand Prix2 April - Burghfield SC Gul Grand Prix7/8 May - Datchet WSC Coaching (7th) and Gul Grand Prix (8th)28-31 May - Carnac Brittany - Eurocup11/12 June - Great Yarmouth and Gorleston SC Regatta Gul Grand Prix2/3 July - Lymington Town SC Regatta Gul Grand Prix8-10 July - Youth (U.22) Championships Hillhead SC13/14 August - Pre-Worlds Coaching - venue t.b.c.15 August - Pre-Wolrds Coaching WPNSA 16-20 August - World and National Championships WPNSA8/9 October - Inland Championships and Gul Grand Prix Grafham WSCPlease note that the World Championships is a 5-day event starting on a Monday and that there will be a 2-day coaching event beforehand probably at Weymouth SC. Tim Wilkins and Heather Martin add National title to their World title ! See 500 webpages for more details and full results. Up to date information on the RS 500 Worlds can be seen at www.rs500.org Day 1 results show GBRs Alex Taylor and Bryan Mobbs in the lead with Tim Wilkins and Heather Martin in 2nd. Johan Rook and Malin Broberg from Sweden are lying 3rd. The Sprint Championship is an excellent different event for RS200s 300s 400s and 500s. It is part of the 2010 Gul Grand Prix. A series of very short races in fleets of approx. 8 boats within fleets. Sail on Saturday morning to determine who sails against who in semi finals on Saturday afternoon then again on Sunday morning. All boats sail all races. See http://tinyurl.com/3xx4q8v- for write-up from 2009 event - what fun!Start at 12.00hrs on Saturday 10.30hrs on Sunday with briefing at 11.00hrs on Saturday. NoR and Entry Form and SIs are available on website at http://www.rs-association.com/index.asp?fleet=RS200 and selection=Documents http://www.rs-association.com/index.asp?fleet=RS200 and selection=Documents and gt; under Sailing Instructions. Have a look at these to see how the event works - it really is an excellent format.There is no need to pre-book this year although to save time you could download the entry form and have it ready when you arrive. All entries must be made by 10.40hrs on the Saturday - if you are running late you must phone the club on 01780 720292 to let us know youre coming.For directions and accommodation see http://rutlandsc.co.uk/cms/index.php Rutland SC has simple accommodation on site and there is camping in the field next door. If youve ever wondered what it would be like to break out of the pecking order in your current class and try out an RS500 on the RS Racing Circuit here is your opportunity. The RS500 Class Association in conjunction with RS Sailing has two RS500s available to race at these circuit events: Arun YC June 5/6 Eastbourne Sovereign SC July 3/4 All you have to do is contact Charlie Merchant at RS to register your interest and hell confirm if youre one of the lucky ones. At the event members of the Class will help you to set the boat up and run through handling techniques so you have a head start on the water. There is no charge and what is more if you make it into the top two overall at either event youll be offered free entry and use of a boat at the RS500 National Championships at Exe Sailing Club in September. It is a little known fact that the RS500 is actually selling faster than the hugely successful RS200 right across Europe. And the boat itself is proving quick as well. So if you fancy a go in a 5 contact Charlie urgently ( charlie@rssailing.com or 023 8024 6333 ) because these Circuit events are coming up soon this is an offer that is not to be missed. The RS 500 racing season gets underway this weekend with the WinterChampionships being hosted by Alton Water SC. The Saturday will be atraining day starting at 10.30 am and costing GBP30 whilst on Sunday 4 racesstarting at 10.30am will constitute the Winters. For more information seethe RS 500 webpages at http://tinyurl.com/y8umvo5The weathers warming up so ideal time to kick start the season. The RS500 calendar for 2010 has arrived! See http://www.rs-association.com/index.asp?fleet=RS500 and selection=events You will notice the new format - hope you like it. Gul International are sponsoring the RS Classes again for 2010 and this year they are sponsoring the Racing Circuit - re-named Gul Grand Prix. All Gul RS Grand Prix racing events are on the website - 3 of 5 to count for the overall circuit. Also Championships are up - off to Exe SC for UK National Championships and Bruinisse YC The Netherlands for the World Championships. The Worlds Training Programme has already been arranged and are included. Other coaching events will be arranged throughout the year and will be added to the programme. If you would like a coaching event at your club please do get in touch - debbie@rs-association.com Wishing you all a very happy festive season and happy sailing in 2010. Heather and Debbie A great Nationals hosted by the exceptionally friendly and professional Arun YC. Full final results and report (with thanks to Heather Martin) are at http://tinyurl.com/may9hwCongratulations to Alex Taylor and Bryan Mobbs who added title of National Champions to European Champions - hope youve got a big mantlepiece!Some more great photos on http://www.fotoboat.com/Next event - Gul Inland Championships at Grafham Water SC on 10/11 Oct - lets make it a big one! Bryan Mobbs and Alex Taylor won the Allen RS 500 European Championships with a race to spare. The first European Championship for the class was held at Acquafresca Yacht Club on the eastern shore of Lake Garda. Winds were varied and conditions testing but the Team GBR duo pulled off a convincing victory. For more information see www.rseuropeans.com The results are now on the website following another exciting day at the Allen RS500 European Championships on Lake Garda. See http://tinyurl.com/mzcjas Hi All Day 1 was cancelled due to storms near Lake Garda causing the wind to disappear but Day 2s results are now on the RS 500 website see http://tinyurl.com/lnfxd5 Bryan and Alex are looking strong the full report will be on there shortly. The Allen RS 500 and RS Tera Europeans start on Monday at Acquafresca Yacht Club on st1:place w:st= and quot;on and quot;Lake Garda/st1:place. 6 countries are represented with over 75 boats racing on three starts as the RS Tera will split between the Sport rig and the larger fully battened Pro rig. The forecast is hot sunny and light but as with the RS Fevas last week the Ora can sometimes make way to stronger gradient wind. For results and the blog see www.rseuropeans.com Hi AllI would like to remind you about a couple of great events that are coming up later this month for which pre-booking is essential.RS200/RS400 Irish Nationals and Eurocup - 23-25 May 2009Back to Royal North of Ireland YC for this ever-popular event and a new time of year. Details of this event including 20 percent discount deal with Norfolk Line Ferries are at http://tinyurl.com/d3jlpx and the NoR and entry form is under Other Documents at http://www.rs-association.com/index.asp?fleet=RS400 and selection=DocumentsPlease note that you can enter after 15 May or at the event but that there will be a GBP10 surcharge.Gul RS200/RS300/RS400/RS500 Sprint Championships - 30/31 MayHosted by Rutland SC. Great fun event - something a bit different - the Sprint Champs are a series of short (15-20 min) races in flights of 8-10 boats in individual fleets. Excellent racing and spectating at beautiful Rutland. Counts towards Racing Circuit for all fleets except the RS400s.Pre-entry is essential for this event due to the nature of the racing and the need to divide fleets into flights of approx. 6-8 boats.More information is at http://tinyurl.com/dhmzmt and the NoR and entry form is under Other Documents at http://www.rs-association.com/index.asp?fleet=RS300 and selection=DocumentsPlease note that all entries must be received by Monday 25 May.Any queries contact me at heatherc@rs-association.com or 01590 610273.RegardsHeather