RS Aeros have been delivering great results around the island of Ireland during a mild but sometimes windy Winter sailing season writes Class Chairman Brendan Foley
Most dinghy Winter leagues run a PY (Portsmouth Yardstick) handicap system to allow multiple dinghies of various shapes and sizes race together.
The Aero has proven to be a top performer under this handicap system with wins and placings for Aeros all around Ireland.
DMYC Frostbites 2021/2022
The 50 boat DMYC Frostbite PY fleet, is one of the biggest and most diverse in Ireland with a strong contingent of Fireballs, Aeros and well-sailed IDRA 14s, GP 14s, Konas and Wayfarers. The biggest fleets are the Fireballs and Aeros who in lighter conditions race boat on boat with each other. In the heavier airs, the fireballs push hard to make up their time chased by the Aeros – everyone trying to maximise planing on the flat water of Dun Laoghaire Harbour. After 23 races the RS Aero 7’s took a clean sweep of the top 3 places. Brendan Foley (RstGYC) was first with 45 points, Followed by Mark Gavin (RstGYC) on 110 points and Stephen Oram (NYC) on 113.5 points. 4th was the well sailed Fireball of Frank Miller and Ed Butler (DMYC) and in 5th was Sarah ‘Skinny’ Dwyer (RstGYC) in her RS Aero 5.
There was great racing within the races for the Aeros who had 15 boats entered including the 5, 7 and 9 size rigs. The number of races at DMYC Frostbite rewards consistency, but some of the fleet over the Winter were drawn to travel with Noel Butler (NYC) and Roy Van Maanen (GSC/RstGYC) choosing to race a few events in beautiful Italy with great success, while Mark Gavin (RstGYC) brought his Aero 7 to Malahide Yacht Club’s dinghy event on St Patrick’s day which he won on PY handicap.
The PY format which works well in the Winter is continued at RS Aero Summer events where all size rigs race each other enabling competitors to race their preferred rig size. The local Dun Laoghaire Aero fleet now numbering 15 will race under PY at the DBSC Summer series.
Howth Yacht Club – Frostbites 2021/2022
Which way around the Island? – Ireland’s Eye race as part of HYC Frostbite. Photo: Sarah Dwyer
The recently completed Howth Yacht Club Frostbite series sponsored by Key Capital had RS Aeros join the long-established Laser /ILCA fleet for the first time. The three HYC based Aeros all sailing the seven rig enjoyed a fantastic Winter of sailing. The Laser fleet kindly allowed the small Aero fleet to start alongside them but raced as separate fleets rather than on PY handicap. John Phelan took home the glassware in the pre-Christmas Winter series with Daragh Sheridan taking home the Spring event.
As usual the Winter season concluded with the annual Howth Yacht Club Round the Island race. The unique event closing in on its fiftieth edition saw 43 boats entered and the inclusion of a Portsmouth Yardstick fleet competing for the first time. The fleet took to the water to enjoy a ‘warm-up’ race in relatively gentle conditions before the main event produced a high-speed spin around the Island in a building breeze. The distinctive event format is simple, a short Windward Leeward race to get the competitors afloat and finalising their race strategy for the ‘big one,’ followed by the RTI itself.
After a wonderful day sailing around the spectacular island the sailors came ashore for lunch in HYC followed by the prize-giving and the Ireland versus England rugby match on the television. The results of the PY Class on corrected time saw the Aeros take the top three spots. Roy van Maanen (Greystones SC) first in a 5 rig, just ahead of Daragh Sheridan (HYC) in a 7 with Sarah Dwyer (RStGYC) third in her 5.
The HYC organisers hope to see a much larger PY attendance next year following the success of this first edition.
Ballyholme Yacht Club – Icebreaker 2021/2022
Ballyholme Icebreaker – 3948 Brian Bibby leads 3823 Christina Cunningham and 3181 Jo Woods. Photo: Rob Milligan
Visitors on a Sunday at Ballyhome, Bangor (NI) in Winter will see a great array of PY handicapped boats racing in front of the club in the sheltered waters of Ballyholme Bay. The author can attest that this is one tricky venue! A series of permanent marks are dotted around the bay. The first mark is upwind and after that a course card needs to be consulted as navigation, tactics and boat speed are needed to do well. With an offshore breeze, certain local sailors know what streets the wind will blow down and take advantage of the extra pressure.
Ballyholme has a thriving Aero fleet with 12 boats mostly 7’s and a few 5’s. In the Icebreaker series the top two places overall were taken by Laser 2000’s while 3rd, 4th and 5th were the Aeros respectively of Brian Bibby, Robin Gray and Christina Cunningham (all Aero 7’s). Both Brian and Robin are in the Grand Master and Legend age groups, showing what a great boat the Aero is for a wide range and ages, sizes and ability. Ballyholme will also be the host club for Aero National Championships on the 14th and 15th of May 2022, where a large fleet is expected and a great welcome will be had.
Dates for RS Aero Events 2022
- April 16/17 Southerns (with 200/400) - Monkstown Bay Sailing Club
- May 14/15 Nationals - Ballyholme Yacht Club
- July 23/24 Summer Sizzler - Greystones Sailing Club
- August 20/21 Northerns (with 200/400) - Ballyholme Yacht Club
- October 29/30 Easterns - Howth Yacht Club
Contact the class association via www.rsaeroireland.ie for racing details in your local area or for advice on buying an Aero. We would love to see you on the water.
