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These are the overall results after 7 events having lost two at Bournville earlier in the year.

After two days and 32 races of intense and at times very close competition, the MYA 2025 RG65 National Champion is Alan Bennett sailing an Ivy.  The other podium places were taken up by Tobias Laux (Ivy) in second and John Tushingham (Ivy) in third.

Saturday was sailed in a light ESE breeze which veered to a light to moderate SSW breeze in the early early afternoon, then tracked back to SE by late afternoon.  Most skippers were sailing in full area Swing rigs for the whole day, although at one point it looked as it a lower aspect conventional rig might be needed before the breeze moderated.  A total of 18 races were sailed, with Race 19 abandoned as a large course reset would take too long at the end of a great days sailing.

Sunday dawned with a lot more breeze and the forecast of showers (conditions as above).  Saturday was sailed in short sleeves, with the breeze giving some respite from the very warm temperatures covering the UK.  On Sunday, it was all change and at least one extra layer was required with the increase in breeze to an estimated 15 knots gusting low 20’s.  All the smaller rigs came out with small B or C rigs in use through the fleet, with some skippers missing out as they either did not have a small enough rig, or had equipment issues during the day.  Another fourteen races were sailed on a two lap figure of 8 course feathuring 4 beats and 4 runs in total, featuring some epic downwind legs in the gusts.  Race Officer John Brierley called it a day at 32 races at around 15:15, just as a very heavy shower started which lasted for more than 30 minutes until the end of the prize giving in the clubhouse.

Winner Alan Bennett thanked everyone from attending and all of those who volunteered their time to run the event and keep everyon fed and “watered” in the galley.

Congratulations to this years TT winner – Tobias Laux

In second place is Graham Elliott and third his brother Chris.  There were a total of 44 entries who competed in at least one event.  This compares with 35 entries in 2023, 39 in 2022 and only 25 in 2021.

It was great to see the fleet of 15 boats on the water for this round of the touring competition. For a welcome change, the wind was favourable being a fairly steady westerly – straight down the lake and with only occasional lulls.

A total of 12 races, each with two laps took place and scoring was remarkably consistent throughout the day from skippers having a wide range of experience. Although Tobias had many wins, it was by no means all one way as Dorian, Chris Harris, Mark Dicks and Chris Elliot provided expert level challenges continually.

Some electrics problems meant the Chris Elliot could not capitalise on opportunities to pile on the pressure.

We had some first time RG skippers and, for one entrant a first time in an Open event, a daunting prospect!

There was good observance of the rules, and it was especially good to see all penalties taken as they arose and an overriding atmosphere of good sportsmanship with a high level of sailing ability. These fast boats are extremely responsive and required high levels of control during the heavier gusts at the marks; competitors showed generally good levels of competence and awareness of other boats close in.

With fading wind, increasing rain and the cold taking effect, the racing was concluded just before 3.00pm.

It was a pleasure to have been RO for the day and to meet all of the competitors who had travelled near and far to join the racing.

Results below along with a picture of the podium place winners;

From L to R – Chris Harris, Tobias Laux, Dorian Crease

Here are the Overall positions after Round 9 at Birkenhead with one event to go at Bournville on Sunday 17th November.

Results for the two days as follows, with reports and photos on the Birkenhead website:

https://birkenheadrspc.co.uk/2024/10/26/rg65-tt-round-8-26-10-24/

https://birkenheadrspc.co.uk/2024/10/27/rg65-tt-round-9-27-10-24/