The RS400 Winter Series returns to Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club for its 17th Year on Belfast Lough next weekend.
Resuming this Sunday (5th November) and running until the 17th of December, the series concludes with the infamous Christmas Race.
The racing consists of three (sometimes four) short, sharp races on a tight start line, all in fairly bitter conditions.
Organisers say this is one of the biggest design winter fleets racing in Ireland; the fact that the competitors keep returning yearly is a testament to the fun and cracking racing at this event.
The organisers are expecting 20 boats on the start line on Sunday for the first races of the RS400 Winter Series at Cultra
The organisers are expecting 20 boats on the start line on Sunday. This year, competitors are coming from near and far; aside from the home RNIYC fleet, joining them will be RS400s from Carrick, Ballyholme, Strangford, Newcastle, Coleraine, Antrim and Dublin! With at least one helm flying over each weekend from London.
Regulars returning are Liam Donnelly and Brian Holmes, who have been supporting this event from almost the get-go, although the latter claims an unbroken record! As well as those mentioned earlier, the Vaughan Cousins, Ross and Andrew are back sailing together and will be a formidable team.
Stephen Kane (left) and Peter Kennedy Photo: Afloat
The Last two year’s Champs Kennedy/ Kane duo, won’t want to let the Trophy go; they will be looking for a hat trick! Luke McIlwaine and Ryan Wilson have had an excellent season so far and should figure in the leader’s board. The Purdon Hayes team are also going well and will give the others a tough time. Bob Espey is back this year and has been very quick in the past, as is Bob Hastings / Higgins mix, and they will be pushing at every opportunity. The Dublin Duo (new this year), Andrew Irvin and Aisling O’Grady, will want to make their weekly journey worthwhile. Also making a debut at this event are Micheal Browne and Jane Buchanan, fresh from a winning streak In the RS Elite Fleet.
Racing starts this Sunday 1.30 at Cultra.
