2013 is shaping up to be another exciting year for the Scottish RS400 fleet, generously sponsored by JP Watersports, Stewart Brewing and DH Systems. There will be more circuit events, more training events and the UK Nationals returning to East Lothian Yacht Club - and there is even a tartan raiding party planned to send 10 boats overs to the Irish Nationals in July.
The 2012 season was a great success with the class firmly established as the number one adult double hander in Scotland (33 boats entered at least one event in 2012 including 17 at the biggest event). Five Scottish boats made the trip to Garda for the Eurocup and four went to Torbay for the nationals with Stewart & Sarah Robertson finishing second at both events (could 2013 be their year...). There are now 52 boats in Scotland (nine in new hands for 2013 and three more prospective owners looking for a boat).
The 2013 season kicks off with a training weekend at Royal Findhorn on 13 & 14 April. This is an excellent opportunity for existing owners to shake off the winter cobwebs and for new owners to make an early jump up the learning curve. With plenty of boats based nearby and the usual warm welcome from Findhorn, this should be great start to the season. More training is planned for Saturday 4 May at Loch Tummel Sailing Club.
The travellers circuit gets under way with Event 1 on Sunday 5 May, also at Loch Tummel. Event 2 will be another one day traveller held on the open ocean at Largo Bay, one of the best venues in Scotland and another favourite of the class. Things continue to hot up with Event 3 as the circuit moves to North Berwick on 1 & 2 June for a chance to race on the Nationals race course. This Event will be part of ELYC regatta, Scotland's largest annual dinghy event with entries nowadays capped at 140 (following fleets of 200+ in previous years). Pre entry will be required via the club website. The following weekend at ELYC is the added bonus of the 3rd training event, which will see RS400 supremo and training Rep Jim Downer venturing up from the Isle of Wight to knock some shape into the national champion would-be's.
The Scottish Championship, also Event 4 on the 2013 circuit, will be at Royal Findhorn on 22 & 23 June, a departure from recent venues further south. Last year's runners up, the Urquhart brothers, will be hoping that the advantage of home waters might push them onto the top of the podium. There is talk of a barbeque and live band at this one which should make best advantage of the north east's famously flexible opening hours - it's not all about the racing !
The highlight of the season will be the UK Nationals at East Lothian Yacht Club in North Berwick on 4 - 8 August. 75 boats entered the last time the event was at North Berwick, a number bettered in the intervening years only by the RS Games at Weymouth. ELYC is a terrific venue for a championship combining the friendliness of a local club with a wealth of recent experience running big nationals (Toppers, Solos, RS200s, RS400s, Musto Skiffs, Laser 2000s, Enterprises, etc, etc). North Berwick is also a wonderful base for a non-sailing family and Edinburgh, with it's International arts festival carefully timed to coincide with the nationals, only a 30 minute train journey away. The Fringe by the Sea, an offshoot from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe takes place in North Berwick during the Nationals week as does the Law Race.....if you fancy running from the harbour to the top of North Berwick Law and back after racing. Boats are available to charter too, should you prefer the low-hassle, cheque-book sailing option. Book your accommodation now, though. It's a popular spot in the summer.
After the Nationals, it's back to circuit action for Event 5 at Stonehaven on 17 & 18 August and then, at last, a west coast venue with Event 6 being held at Prestwick on 21 & 22 September. Interest in the class is spreading west after recent growth all the way up and down the east of the country.
2013 goes out with a bang at Event 7, a one day traveller on 19 October at Dalgety Bay with the usual glittering end-of-season party and prize-giving that evening.
If you sail dinghies in Scotland, 2013 is the year to get into 400s - a great boat with a great fleet, great events at great venues and the Nationals in Scotland too. What's not to like!?
Please contact Class Rep Keith Bedborough if you are keen to become involved or are interested in chartering a boat for the nationals - or catch up with us at www.facebook.com/groups/rs400
By Jim Sinclair
