The RS200 class has returned to the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club's Frostie Series as the popular winter dinghy racing event celebrates its 20th year.
After numbers fell away following Covid, the RS200 fleet in Northern Ireland has shown signs of revival over the past year, with the class now back on the racecourse alongside the established RS400 fleet. Afloat previously reported on the return of the two-class format for this anniversary edition.
The RS400 class also welcomed first-time series entrants Alex Shaw and Elwyn Agnew from Ballyronan Boat Club. With regular competitors returning, organisers hope to see up to 20 boats on the starting line in the coming weeks.
For some of the more experienced sailors, this will be their 20th year competing in the Frostie Series.
Fresh Northerlies Deliver Three Races
Sunday's opening round brought clear blue skies, sunshine and a fresh northerly breeze, providing lively conditions and exhilarating downwind planing.
Frostie Reception: A strong turnout for the opening round of the RNIYC Frostie Series, with Peter Kennedy and Stevie Kane taking three straight wins in the RS400 fleet as the event celebrates its 20th anniversary. Photo: RNIYC
Despite a slightly delayed start caused by technical difficulties for the race officer, both fleets completed three races, with quick turnarounds between starts.
Ozark and Stocking Lead RS200 Fleet
Jakub Ozark and Abbie Stocking enjoyed a perfect opening day in the RS200 fleet, recording three race wins.
Joshua Kane and Charlie Patterson were their closest challengers, while Team Pollard suffered equipment failures in the first two races before pushing hard in the third.
With more RS200s expected to join the series, competition looks set to intensify over the coming weeks.
Kennedy and Kane Dominate RS400 Racing
In the RS400 fleet, Peter Kennedy and Stevie Kane also completed a clean sweep of three victories, although they were pushed hard by last year's winners Gareth "Flipper" Flannigan and Knox Wilson.
Further down the fleet, close racing and short windward legs made for some challenging mark roundings.
Rowan Berry and stand-in helm Jake Little were among those caught out, attempting to squeeze between two boats at the windward mark before ending up on the wrong side and taking an unexpected swim.
There were also plenty of early-season handling problems, with crews sailing over spinnakers, struggling with hoists and drops, and in some cases returning ashore with damaged sails.
Nevertheless, the final spinnaker-powered blast towards the slipway provided a memorable finish to an excellent afternoon's racing.
Familiar Faces Return
Dr Dave Cheyne, one of the original driving forces behind the RS200 and RS400 classes in Ireland, returned after missing last year's series. With new joints and an immaculately prepared boat, Cheyne and crew Susan will be looking to climb the results table as the series progresses.
Racing continues every Sunday until 20 December, with organisers thanking the race management and rescue teams whose efforts make the winter series possible.
