Sailing Chandlery RS400 Southern Tour at Chichester Yacht Club 

A combination of new and returning RS400 sailors made the journey to Chichester for the latest instalment of the Sailing Chandlery Southern Tour. They were rewarded with champagne conditions and tight, exciting racing. Such was the anticipation that a number of boats had opted to miss the RS200 nationals in order to be able to compete at Chichester.

It was new RS400 helm, Ben Gratton, racing with the experienced crew Rachel Tilley, who had initial pace off the line and led at the windward mark for the first time. However, with the wind blowing off the land those who were able to keep their heads out of the boat were rewarded. Bevington and Skeens showed superior tactical nous to take the victory.

By the second race the wind was beginning to settle down but there remained opportunities to gain on the downwind legs. David and Michelle Ryder sought out a big gust on the first downwind to take the lead. By the finish Gratton/Tilley had reeled them in followed by Bevington/Skeens. Niall Houston and George Zavos rounded off the podium in race 2.

An eager fleet in the final race of the day resulted in a number of attempts before the race could get underway. The race officer decided to send the fleet on a marathon 5 lapper. By this stage Ben Gratton had finally worked out how to use the 400’s infamous bogeyman – the wing wang – and led from start to finish. David and Michelle had a stormer to come through in second.

Ashore the fleet were delighted to be greeted with cake to reward their efforts. All agreed that this had been a fantastic event and warm up for the nationals in a few week’s time. A huge thank you is owed to our sponsor, Sailing Chandlery, and all the volunteers at Chichester Yacht Club who made this event happen.

Chris Eames