The exciting RC35 class is entering its third year of racing with another close season on the cards. Many of the members are taking advantage of unseasonal weather and getting an early start on boat prep hoping to shave off a few vital seconds round the race course writes Robin Young.

The class is continuing to go from strength to strength with three new boats already confirmed for 2019. The draw of close Corinthian class racing in exciting locations, combined with boats that are potentially equally comfortable on a family cruise as they are thrashing round a windward-leeward race course seems to be a winning formula. With class rules specifically designed to keep racing close while managing the budget, what’s not to like. New class member Terry Kirchin summed it up well, “Racing in the RC35 fleet is such an exciting prospect. With well-matched boats making up the fleet, it'll be the nearest thing to class racing most of us yachters will ever see. As a long time east coast sailor, I would say we've enjoyed some fine company and some keen sailing over there but we're now looking forward to making the most of the variety of splendid sailing venues on the west coast and further afield in Ireland and Wales.”

"It is a perfect opportunity for boats from Scotland, Ireland and Wales to take in some great racing"

At this time of year, many people are enjoying the battle between the sides in the Six Nations Rugby Championship. The RC35 Class takes this inter-nation rivalry into the summer months with the Celtic Cup. A Championship made up of 4 events (3 to count) held in Scotland, Ireland and Wales in the early to mid part of the season. It is a perfect opportunity for boats from Scotland, Ireland and Wales to take in some great racing in fantastic locations and compete for a stunning trophy. The events include the Scottish IRC season-opening Pelle P Kip Regatta at Inverkip on the 11/12th May, followed two weeks later with the well known Scottish Series in the glorious Loch Fyne. Then a break until mid-July for the brilliant Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta in Dublin Bay and shortly afterwards the Spinlock IRC Welsh National Championship in early August at Pwllheli North Wales. The Hon Secretary of the hosting Pwllheli Sailing Club, Stephen Tudor puts it well, “The racing will take place on the world-renowned sailing waters of Cardigan Bay with the dramatic scenery provided by the mountains of Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula and is only a short sail from the Marina. Minimal tidal influences and being open to the prevailing winds will provide superb championship quality racing conditions. ”

Celtic Cup Holder Storm, a J109 of Howth Yacht Club

Anybody interested in entering or looking for more information about the Celtic Cup please contact the class through our Facebook page here. Come and join the fun and try to wrangle the Cup from Storm of Howth Yacht Club.

The rest of the Scottish fleet will continue to compete for the overall Championship in and around the Celtic Cup. Will Animal become the first boat to retain the title after their hard-fought victory in 2018? Will Banshee regain the trophy they won in 2017? The ever-improving Jacob VII will be hoping to carry on the form that saw them win the final event of 2018. Many of the other class stalwarts will also have a big say, including Largs Regatta Festival winner Triple Elf, Scottish Champion Wildebeest (under new ownership), the ever-present Now or Never 3 and last year’s early pacesetter, Storm. With three new boats to the class and other owners into their 2nd and 3rd years of ownership, it's going to make for a great season which will be worth watching every step of the way.

RC35 2018 Champion - Animal