Parkstone
It’s that time of the year again, the time when we remind all you happy campers, B&Bers and posh hotel patrons (Heather) about the Gul RS400 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS being hosted by Parkstone Yacht Club from Sunday 20 – Thursday 24th August.
Why bother? - have we not described the pulling power of Parkstone and pleasures of pootling around
Exclusive! For the first time ever the RS400 National Championships will be held at the same time as Poole Dinghy Week, thus multiplying the appeal of a well attended traditional family sailing week with the er, charm of a large mass of sweaty RSs.
We have a mix of socials, some of which are combined, some of which are just for us so don’t worry – more fun for all! Except perhaps for The Gorringe, who has been so busy trying to get Parkstone to understand what an RS Nationals is like he’s forgotten to come to any Fat Face events this year. Tut. But one of the pluses is that Jon has been able to haggle for a few benefits such as:
* Booze Cruise – a swift rampage around the bay on a proper non-tippy boat capable of taking on the chain ferry on equal terms. There is a vicious rumour alcohol may be involved.
* Waterside berths – Yes chaps, we are right next to the water. No getting stuck behind a fidget of Fevas waiting for little Jonny to strap his extension back on. Huzzah!
* Chain ferry surprise – We have it on good authority that there will be rib-mounted refreshments waiting for those who have successfully renegotiated the harbour entrance. Cold beer or Ice-cream? Hmmm.
But what else? Ah yes, the prizes. In addition to the daily prizes for each race-winner in each of the Gold, Silver and Bronze fleets - the BUDDY TEAM PRIZES are BACK!
BUDDY TEAM PRIZES
After a very successful introduction at Marazion last year, LDC have again generously agreed to donate a full set of Hyde sails, that is one brand new jib, mainsail, and spinnaker, to the buddy team who triumph over the course of the week.
Each buddy team has 3 boats, one from each fleet, selected after one day on the water. Your results (within your fleets) count, but to make it a more rounded competition, shoreside activities such as pub-quiz and shoregames will also count. This way, it’s in everyone’s interests to help your buddies.
Last year it seemed to work. The sight of Nick Craig (3 times champ) and James Stewart (5 times champ) desperately recruiting children to help their shore games stood out as a measure of...desperation really. It was also pointed out that just because it was tug-of-war it did not constitute child exploitation, they made their own choices, and just because everyone was too gentlemanly to pull a small child face-first through the sand did not mean they should get disqualified. Parents will be glad to know that Nick and James are not attending this year.
What else? TACTIC have also generously agreed to donate one of those funny numbers devices that seem to make people go quick. Super!
So get thy entries in. Take advantage of the last days of Purple Marine’s generous sail discounts and COME TO PARKSTONE! Nice. J
Entry Forms are at http://www.rs-association.com/docs/RS400%20Blank%20entry%20form.pdf
Howard Farbrother
RS400 Championship Rep
