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The RS600 associations e-Newsletter		Issue 02
RS600 Breaking News... 33 RS600's take part in this years Fat Face Circuit Christian Reynolds is 2006 RS600 National Champion! Congratulations to Ian Marshall for becoming 2006 Fat Face Circuit Champion! Olly Straker is crowned 2006 Inland Champion!!
Its the end of the season.... What a year! Over the past twelve months I am sure that many of you have stories to tell about this year’s race circuit. Whether it be watching an RS300 sailor convert his boat to an RS600 hybrid at Northampton, to sailing in Garda, or falling off a huge wave at the Nationals in Looe! This year has seen a large number of newcomers to the fleet, myself included, as we have all battled to make the boat go as fast as possible without capsizing! Congratulations must go to Christian Reynolds as the new National Champion, who also came a creditable 12th at this years Endeavour trophy, and also to Ian Marshall who won this year’s Fat Face race Circuit after a closely fought battle with Jamie Mawson and Andy Heissig. Overall the year has seen a strong resurgence in the RS600 class with used boats being hard to find and increasing turnouts at circuit events, culminating with 25 boats at this years nationals. Thanks must go to Dave Nunn for all his hard work as the class representative for the last three years and here’s hoping that his replacement Mark Duckworth can take us forward with another successful race circuit next year! In this newsletter, as the season draws to an end we take a look at: 1. Draft RS600 circuit 2007 2. This year’s nationals report 3. Race report from Hayling Island 4. Overall Fat Face Circuit Results 5. Boat maintenance 6. The Inlands at Grafham 7. A theft prevention article by Olly Straker 8. Roundup	© Paul Wyeth/www.pwpictures.com © Mike Rice & Tom Gruitt/www.fotoboat.com
Draft RS600 Circuit 2007 Below you will find the first draft of the 2007 circuit. Please note that this is a draft and will be confirmed by the 14th December. 24/25 Feb - Winter Championships, Datchet 3/4 Mar - Dinghy Sailing Show 10/11 Mar - Chew Valley SC, Circuit 31/1 Apr - Oxford SC, Circuit 28/29 Apr - Draycote 12/13 May - Weymouth & Portland NSA, Circuit (T.B.C.) 9/10 Jun - LOS SC, Circuit 14/15 Jul - Weston SC, Circuit (T.B.C.) 23-27 Jul - Travemunde Woche, Eurocup (T.B.C.)  Depending on entries in advance 6-9 Sep - National Championships, Royal Torbay YC 22/23 Sep - Broadstairs, Circuit 13/14 Oct - Inland Championships Northampton SC (T.B.C.)	© Mike Rice & Tom Gruitt/www.fotoboat.com
The Nationals at Looe The 2006 GUL RS600 National Championships took place in picturesque Looe SC, Cornwall and it will be remembered for a long time. Over the 4 days all ranges of conditions were experience with the highlight being the middle two days of force 5-6 winds and 8-10ft waves providing fantastic sailing conditions for the RS600. The 25 strong fleet were welcomed for the first day by blue skies and a shifty force 2-4. Two races took place where Christian Reynolds beat Andy Heissig in to second place in both. In the evening the fleet gathered at the club for a few beers and a superb buffet, with a Commodore and Mayor’s welcome. The second day saw a strong SE breeze of 20 knots plus, which caused some big seas and difficult launching conditions; all of the local tourist boat trips were cancelled! This led to some entertainment for those watching from the shore as the fleet battled to get over the breakers, some successfully and some not so. The 8ft-10ft waves on the race area provided hard conditions and the whole fleet experienced some exhilarating sailing. The racing saw Reynolds and Straker battling it out at the front for much of the day. A prolonged swim though for Reynolds in the first race saw Straker finish first followed by Heissig in second. Unfortunately though, Straker was disqualified for re-crossing the finish line, giving the win to Heissig and further problems were caused as several sailors missed the finish line due to difficulties seeing the finish mark in the big seas. This meant that Steve Reeves collected a well earned third with Dave Nunn in fourth. With Reynolds leading the fleet home in the other races of the day from Straker and Jamie Mawson sailing well to pick up a third in the final race, an exhausted fleet returned ashore. The evening’s entertainment saw a group of 30 plus fill a local curry house where Miles Woodhouse proved that he was quick at picking up the art of serving Indian dishes and assisted the restaurant waiting staff. The big seas and wind were still there on day three. The pattern of racing matched that to the previous day with Reynolds and Straker showing good speed in the breeze. Reynolds won the first race from Heissig, Staker suffered a capsize and broken tiller but still managed to come third, with Nunn in fourth. Heissig won the next race after Richard Mayo rounded the first mark in the lead, while Reynolds ‘borrowed’ some fishing lines off the back of a passing yacht! After the final race, which Reynolds won again from Straker and Ian Marshall, the fleet once again returned to shore - with a bang and a crunch for some! In the evening a tired fleet gathered in the sailing club bar and enjoyed a few drinks, a bbq and chatted about ‘getting airborne!’ and other stories about the fantastic day’s sailing. The final day saw light winds. The first race got underway and with Reynolds watching over Heissig, his nearest challenger, while Heissig was keeping an eye on Straker to defend his overall second position. Ian Marshall took the race honours while the second place for Reynolds finally gave him the title as National Champion after coming runner-up numerous times. Heissig’s third gave him second overall after sailing a very consistent series discarding two fourth places. The wind dropped further for the final race which saw Doug Horner round first. He was caught though and Marshall came through to win again, putting pressure on Straker’s third overall spot, but he missed out by 1 point. Jonathan Powell sailed well to finish in fifth overall. Many thanks for the helpers who helped launch the boats, to Looe SC and to GUL for a fantastic nationals. Click here for full results	© Mike Rice & Tom Gruitt/www.fotoboat.com © Mike Rice & Tom Gruitt/www.fotoboat.com © Mike Rice & Tom Gruitt/www.fotoboat.com © Mike Rice & Tom Gruitt/www.fotoboat.com
Hayling Island The final event of this years Fat Face circuit at Hayling Island Sailing club saw some of the best sailing conditions seen all year with a consistent force 4 south easterly breeze and brilliant blue skies making it hard to believe it was late September. After a short delay whilst held ashore the 10 competitors made the long sail out of Chichester Harbour into the middle of Hayling Bay to the large trapezoidal course that was to be shared with the Rs200 fleet. Race 1 saw the fleet well spread down the line with no end appearing favoured. Local sailor David Acrey showed the way to the circuit regulars to claim a comfortable bullet. Those chasing behind quickly picked up on the gains to be made by hitting the left hand side of the beat and the massive port tack lift on approaching the windward mark. David Annan sailed a consistent race to second followed by Richard Mayo. Race 2 was sailed in similar conditions with sea state building as the ebb tide strengthened. The steep short chop meant boat handling became increasing tricky with many seen with the reversing lights on after a botched tack! The top and bottom reach marks had been adjusted from the first race to give a tighter and more entertaining course. Once again Acrey led the pack, followed by an eager Mayo and Tony Mitchell. The breeze had built by a few knots for race 3. The fleet became increasingly spread out as the lighter helms struggled as the beat turned into a test of boatspeed. Mayo revelled in the breeze, followed by Mark Duckworth and David Annan in a close battle for 2nd. Behind, the final run resembled a graveyard with many taking their first swim of the day. The swell and strong ebb tide gave an interesting sail in over the bar into the harbour entrance with two foot standing waves to contend with! Sunday morning saw some sore heads and a light southerly breeze. The wind filled in right on cue allowing a prompt trip out to the start. The overnight calm and flood tide gave flatter water. With slightly less breeze the fleet enjoyed some close racing for race 4. Steve Reeves showed impressive height and speed off the line to take a considerable lead up the first beat which he never gave up. The penultimate race had the first half of the fleet bunched into the windward mark on port tack. One after another boats parked up in irons on tacking onto the mark allowing those approaching on starboard to make significant gains. As the fleet neared the end of the run the 52 strong RS200 fleet left the line to start up their beat calling for some major detours.  As the beat was shared with the 2s finding space and clear air was to prove decisive. Acrey took his third win of the weekend, followed by a much deserved second for Mitchell. The final race was increased from two to three laps. However the breeze that had proved consistent all weekend had other ideas dropping to marginal trapeezing during the second lap. Shortening course came as a relief to most, with Reeves again taking the win. Many thanks to Fat Face and HISC for a smoothly run event in superb conditions.
Rank Tally Class SailNo Helm Club R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 Total Nett 1st 144 RS600 910 David Acrey ESC 1.0 1.0 (4.0) 3.0 1.0 3.0 13.0 9.0 2nd 141 RS600 756 Richard Mayo   3.0 2.0 1.0 2.0 (5.0) 4.0 17.0 12.0 3rd 139 RS600 959 Steve Reeves Netley 4.0 5.0 (7.0) 1.0 3.0 1.0 21.0 14.0 4th 137 RS600 815 David Annan   2.0 4.0 3.0 (7.0) 7.0 2.0 25.0 18.0 5th 143 RS600 717 Mark Duckworth Burfield 5.0 (8.0) 2.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 33.0 25.0 6th 140 RS600 918 Tony Mitchell Oxford 6.0 3.0 5.0 (10.0) 2.0 10.0 36.0 26.0 7th 142 RS600 981 Sam Attrill   8.0 6.0 (DNC) 5.0 4.0 7.0 41.0 30.0 8th 145 RS600 676 Martin Fear BCYC 7.0 7.0 6.0 8.0 (9.0) 5.0 42.0 33.0 9th 136 RS600 876 Ian Parker Netley 9.0 9.0 (DNC) 4.0 8.0 9.0 50.0 39.0 10th 138 RS600 926 Chris Gaeham Netley 10.0 10.0 (DNC) 9.0 10.0 8.0 58.0 47.0
Overall Fat Face Circuit 2006
Rank Sail No Helm Club Chew Valley Rutland Lee on Solent Weymouth Lymington Town Weston HISC Points         11/03/06 22/04/06 06/05/06 03/06/06 08/07/06 12/08/06 23/09/06   1 979 Ian Marshall Oxford SC DNC DNC 1 1 1 1 DNC 4 2 982 Jamie Mawson Pennine SC 1 1 3 2 8 2 DNC 6 3 984 Andy Heissig Lymington Town SC 3 DNC 2 DNC 2 6 DNC 13 4 983 Olly Straker Weston SC 2 DNC 5 DNC 5 3 DNC 15 5 827 James Sainsbury Grafham DNC 2 10 4 13 4 DNC 20 6 954 Jon Powell Portchester DNC DNC 6 5 7 5 DNC 23 7 815 Dave Annan Datchet Water SC 7 4 11 DNC DNC 12 4 26 8 918 Tony Mitchell Oxford SC 6 7 17 10 11 10 6 29 9 676 Martin Fear BCYC 8 DNC 15 8 DNC 8 8 32 10 717 Mark Duckworth Burghfield DNC 5 14 DNC 15 DNC 5 39 11 917 Steven Read LOSSC 9 DNC 13 9 15 9 DNC 40 12 921 Damon Bower Oxford SC 11 8 DNC 11 14 DNC DNC 44 13 713 Chris Flewitt Locks DNC DNC 7 DNC 3 7 DNC 51 14 756 Richard Mayo Weston SC DNC DNC 16 DNC 4 DNC 2 56 15 909 Alan Williams CVLSC 10 6 12 DNC DNC DNC DNC 62 16 798 Andrew Hewitt Weston DNC DNC 4 3 DNC DNC DNC 75 17 757 Doug Horner Wilsonian SC 4 DNC DNC 6 DNC DNC DNC 78 18 910 David Acrey ESC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 1 103 19 959 Steve Reeves Netley DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 3 105 19 703 Ken Potts Gunfleet DNC 3 DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 105 21 888 Paul Champion Teign Corinthian SC 5 DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 107 22 740 Giles Chipperfield   DNC DNC DNC DNC 6 DNC DNC 108 23 962 Richard Lomas Sheffield Viking DNC DNC DNC 7 DNC DNC DNC 109 23 981 Sam Attrill   DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 7 109 25 826 David Nunn Datchet Water SC DNC DNC 8 DNC DNC DNC DNC 110 26 702 John Charles Leigh on Seaa DNC DNC 9 DNC DNC DNC DNC 111 26 649 Steve Lane   DNC DNC DNC DNC 9 DNC DNC 111 26 876 Ian Parker Netley DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 9 111 29 893 Phil Kennard   DNC DNC DNC DNC 10 DNC DNC 112 29 926 Chris Gaeham Netley DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 10 112 31 763 Fred Merchant Weston SC DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC 11 DNC 113 32 633 Tim Cray   DNC DNC DNC DNC 12 DNC DNC 114 33 606 Daniel Davis Lossc DNC DNC 18 DNC DNC DNC DNC 120
Boat Maintenance Now that all the main events have finished for the year, it’s a good time to run through some basic checks on your boat so that it’s ready for another season of blasting next year. Here are a few basic areas that are worth looking at: 1. Progrip – Over a hard season, Progrip on the wings and side decks can require attention. To replace it new Progrip is available in a self adhesive form, or in large standard sheets from most dinghy specialists. It’s relatively easy to then apply it to the side decks, centre thwart and wings with a contact adhesive such as Evostick. However if you don’t like Progrip, then a coat of Surf Wax over the whole boat can help to keep you upright! 2. Mast – Over the course of the year the mast is bound to take a large amount of wear and tear. It’s therefore well worth replacing your halyard and checking the sheath at the top, so that you don’t get any unexpected surprises when out on the water. If your mast is starting to look tired and is in need of a coat of varnish, a trip to the chandlers for some two pack polyurethane varnish may be in order. This varnish is flexible and won’t crack as the mast bends and will also prevent the epoxy that holds the carbon together from degrading due to exposure to the suns Ultra Violet rays. 3. Pintles and Foils – The pintles and gudgeons on the stern and rudder stock can work loose and may need tightening or reriveting. Cracks and chips out of the foils can be repaired with gelcoat filler or epoxy, before being sanded down to give a perfect finish. 4. Back of the centreboard case – Over the course of the season the rear of the case will wear and can be refilled with epoxy and finished with gelcoat. I have found that a small strip of sacrificial progrip at the back of the case can prevent further wear. 5. Mast Step – The mast heel on the bottom of the mast will gradually wear over time. The key thing to check is that when the mast is raked back it doesn’t touch the back of the step; as if it does it will eventually rip the mast step out of the deck. This can be prevented by fitting a new mast heel, or by simply epoxing a domed five pence piece into the current heel.
The Inlands at Grafham On turning up at Grafham Sailing club on the 7th Oct the weather was clear and sunny which over the course of the morning would develop into a strong force 4 southerly. This proved to be perfect conditions for Mr sick is quick Olly Straker who had a perfect first day taking the first spot in the first race.  Shortly behind Olly was Ian Marshall and behind Ian was Jamie Mason for third. Race 2 saw Olly turn on his outboard and blow everyone away finishing four and a half minuets ahead of second place Ian. Third spot was claimed by James Sainsbury who pipped Jamie by no more than an inch! The final race on Saturday saw a repetition of the first with Olly, Ian and Jamie finishing first second and third respectively. Saturday night saw good food and plentiful drink and some very serious games of giant Jenga in the sailing club with a fine night had by all. Sunday proved to be a very different day with the winds becoming light and variable breaking the dominance of the day before, with Ian finishing first in race four and Olly (after a stop to feed the fishes) second. Third place was claimed by Tim Ellis. Race five saw Ian and Olly claiming first and second and Jamie once again in third. The final race saw a now considerably lighter Olly claim first again with Simon Bennett taking the second spot while Tim Ellis claiming third spotfor the second time. This proved to be a very well organised event at an excellent sailing club big thanks must go out to all at Grafham who made this event the success it was.	© Tom Gruitt/www.fotoboat.com © Tom Gruitt/www.fotoboat.com
Rank Class SailNo Helm Club Rating R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 Total Nett 1st RS600 983 Olly Straker     1.0 1.0 1.0 (2.0) 2.0 1.0 8.0 6.0 2nd RS600 979 Ian Marshall     2.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 (5.0) 13.0 8.0 3rd RS600 982 Jamie Mawson Pennine SC   3.0 4.0 3.0 4.0 3.0 (6.0) 23.0 17.0 4th RS600 895 Simon Bennett     (5.0) 5.0 4.0 5.0 4.0 2.0 25.0 20.0 5th RS600 827 James Sainsbury     6.0 3.0 6.0 6.0 7.0 (8.0) 36.0 28.0 6th RS600 697 Robert Carver Stone SC   8.0 11.0 5.0 (13.0) 9.0 4.0 50.0 37.0 7th RS600 815 David Annan     4.0 7.0 (19.0 DNF) 9.0 11.0 7.0 57.0 38.0 8th RS600 719 Tim Ellis Broadstairs SC   10.0 (DNC) DNC 3.0 5.0 3.0 59.0 40.0 9th RS600 633 Tim Cray GWSC   12.0 6.0 (19.0 DNF) 10.0 10.0 9.0 66.0 47.0 10th RS600 918 Tony Mitchell Oxford SC   7.0 8.0 8.0 (16.0) 13.0 12.0 64.0 48.0 11th RS600 717 Mark Duckworth     11.0 10.0 7.0 (14.0) 12.0 10.0 64.0 50.0 12th RS600 959 Steve Reeves Netley SC   9.0 (19.0 DNF) DNC 8.0 6.0 11.0 72.0 53.0 13th RS600 951 Michael Iszatt Fisher's Green SC   (DNC) 9.0 DNC 7.0 8.0 14.0 76.0 57.0 14th RS600 921 Damon Bower Oxford SC   (19.0 DNF) 12.0 9.0 11.0 14.0 13.0 78.0 59.0 15th RS600 893 John Archer Datchet Water SC   (19.0 DSQ) 13.0 10.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 87.0 68.0 16th RS600 909 Alan Williams GWSC   (19.0 DNF) 19.0 DNF DNC 12.0 16.0 DNC 104.0 85.0 17th RS600 944 Peter Noble     13.0 (DNC) DNC 19.0 OCS 19.0 DNF DNC 108.0 89.0 18th RS600 811 James Nuttall     (19.0 DNF) DNC DNC 19.0 DNF 17.0 19.0 DNF 112.0 93.0
Guide to theft prevention Theft of boats, trailers, and associated sailing equipment is, thankfully, still relatively infrequent.  However when it does occur, not only is there the expense and inconvenience of replacing the equipment, but the loss of even relatively inexpensive items can result in a day’s sailing being ruined.  We have therefore compiled a number of suggestions to help minimise the risk of this occurring to you. Mark your equipment with your postcode, name or the boat's name/sail number. Consider using visible markings, hidden markings, or both. Lock trailers, using wheel-clamps, hitch-locks, even a padlock and chain around an immovable object. Use good quality locks and don't leave the key with the boat! Keep loose equipment out of sight or better still, take it home with you. Get to know the other owners at the sailing club and look out for one another. If you see any suspicious activity - report it. If you are unlucky and are a victim of a crime, there are also measures you can take to aid the police in recovering equipment and to assist your insurance company in settling your claim. Keep a note of your Hull Identification Number (HIN) or other unique identifiers Record serial numbers of sails, Tacktick compasses and other equipment Keep purchase receipts Photograph your boat from a number of angles Report the theft to the police and to your insurers as soon as possible. Your quick action may result in a speedy recovery. Finally at Weston we have a great compound fence & gates but they are only effective when locked!  PLEASE REMEMBER TO LOCK THE GATES; behind you, when out sailing and especially when you leave.  We can all make the difference.
Roundup In the next newsletter we will look to bring you the confirmed dates for next years circuit along with some further information on proposed training sessions. If you have anything that you would like to include in the newsletter please feel free to email me at pmchampion@hotmail.com