It doesn't seem long since the last RS400 Winter Series at Royal North. This popular winter sailing event returns to Belfast Lough next Sunday, the 3rd. It will run for eight weeks through to the 22nd of December, including the infamous Christmas Race.
This will be the 18th year of this event, and 24 boats expected to enter!
Last year's winners, Peter Kennedy and Stephen Kane, will be on the start line to defend their title, wanting to turn a hat trick into a haul! But that might be difficult, as the level of competition at this event is fierce. Last year's runner-up Tom Purdon won't want to give the Kennedy Kane duo an easy time. Also, Andrew Vaughan and Ross Kearney will be at the top of the fleet, doubling up this year to get a higher placement than last year's 3rd. The start line will also include Bob Espey and Micheal Ferguson, fresh from all Ireland Sailing Championships win, funnily enough, on an RS400!
Other notable entries include last year's fourth overall Liam Donnelly and Rick McCaig. Andrew Irwin and Aisling O'Grady are making the weekly trip up from Dublin. Ben Martin and Rory Flanagan will be worth watching as they have proved in the past to be a slippery duo also in the mix. Another threat to the leaders is Hammy Baker and Dan Sheriff, who were fifth last year.
Zach Dalzell and Max Robinson are new to the fleet this year. Adam Lochart in Woo Kearney's 400 is also joining the newbies.
Racing starts next Sunday 1.30 at Cultra.
