The Bosun Bob’s and Rockshore RS400 Winter Series will celebrate its 20th anniversary at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club (RNIYC) this winter, with the RS200 fleet returning to the Cultra event for the milestone edition.
The eight-Sunday series begins on November 1st and runs until December 20th, with organisers expecting another strong turnout after around 22 RS400s entered last winter.
RS200s Return to Winter Series
The anniversary edition will return to its original two-class format, with RS200s rejoining the RS400 fleet.
Short And Sharp — The RS400 Winter Series format features three, and sometimes four, sprint windward-leeward races each Sunday, typically lasting 15 to 20 minutes. Photo: RNIYC
Both classes were featured during the event’s early years before the Winter Series evolved into an RS400-only competition. Organisers say the recent resurgence of RS200 sailing locally has provided an opportunity to bring the class back, with six or seven boats expected.
Mortgage & Financial Guidance Ltd has joined the sponsorship line-up to support the returning RS200 fleet, alongside established series sponsors Bosun Bob’s and Rockshore.
Gerry Reid Returns as Series PRO
Gerry Reid will again serve as Principal Race Officer, following his role running the GP14 World Championships at RNIYC.
“Wow, 20 years have gone by fast; we have a great team of volunteers who go out in some very challenging conditions to help run a day’s racing for these hardy competitors,” Reid said. “This year we are delighted to see the return of the RS200s as they are regaining popularity in these parts!”
The established Winter Series format features three, and sometimes four, short windward-leeward races each Sunday. Individual races typically last between 15 and 20 minutes, with quick turnarounds between starts.
Winter Fleet — RS400s gather on Belfast Lough, where the Royal North winter series will celebrate its 20th anniversary with eight Sundays of racing from November 1st. Photo: RNIYC
Eight Sundays of Winter Racing
The series has developed into one of the biggest winter one-design fixtures on the island of Ireland, with its exposed seasonal conditions providing a demanding programme for competitors and race officials.
The final Sunday, December 20th, will combine the last races of the series with the traditional Christmas dinner and prize-giving at the Cultra clubhouse.
RNIYC has now published the Notice of Race ahead of the opening races on Sunday, November 1st.
