The Northern Ireland RS Elite keelboat class is preparing for two big events this weekend and next week on home waters.
The first event is the Irish RS Elite Championships, hosted by Royal Ulster in Bangor Bay; this is a two-day national championship consisting of six races.
The lineup for this weekend is currently 14 boats. Michael Browne and Jane Buchanan on “Love Bug” (RNIYC) will definitely want to defend their position as last year's Irish Champions; however, Stephen Polly and Crew on “Storm” (RUYC), and his son Warren Polly helming “Toucan” (RNIYC) for the Vaughan’s will be super keen to take the Crown away from the “Lovebug” team.
Michael Browne's RS Elite “Love Bug” from the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club
One of the visitors from Hayling Island wanting to be up at the top is Tom Hewitson on “Soak Therapy”. This is a new chariot for Tom this Year. Tom made the podium in last year's fiercely competitive UK Nationals in Cowes in third.
Other Notables in this event are Brian Corry on “Tuppence” from Strangford Lough YC, also probably the youngest helm on this Start line 21-year-old Adam Lockhart on “Anchorman” (RNIYC).
The UK National Championships, with 21 boats expected, will race on Strangford Lough
On Sunday, after racing, this fleet will lift out and head down the coast a little to the beautiful Strangford Lough for the main course, the UK National Championships, with 21 boats expected, with many more Solent Elites joining the fray.
As well as the aforementioned, we should keep an eye out for Russell Peters on “Riff Raff” (RYS). He was second in last year's Championships and will be keen to take the top slot here.
Ten races for this one, starting on Wednesday morning and finishing on Saturday.
