RS21 class make there debut at the iconic Cork Week regatta

When

15-19th July – Cork Week – Round 5

Where

Crosshaven, Cork, Ireland

Who was racing?

8 RS21’s from the UK and Ireland

120 boats total in the regatta

What were the conditions?

Every condition in the week, from sun to rain, big waves to flat water, heavy winds to light winds

1st day – 18-22 knots, colossal waves, rolling swell, 90 degrees to the breeze with gradient chop on top

2nd day – 6-8 knots, stable breeze, flat water, on shore breeze

3rd day –  12-15 knots, lumpy out in the bay, flat in the harbour, sunny. 

4th day – 15-18knots, onshore, fairly flat. Raced in the bottom of the harbour.

5th day – BIG – 22-25 knots, swell kicked up, full send conditions

What happened on shore

Fantastic race village with pop up bars, street food, all at the top of the dock. Very well supported event with each night having a different drinks sponsor. Daily prize giving’s.  Nice pubs for food and drinks in surrounding town. Live music every day.

 Competitor BBQ Tuesday evening and Thursday pulled pork night. 

On Thursday evening, the RS21 class ran some stadium racing for all sailors to join in, right in from of the event village to for all to watch. 

Best moment?

All of the down winds winds on the last day, big winds, flat water and pure speed!

Funniest moment?

Whilst at a busy mark rounding with lots of boats around,  team 5 o’clock somewhere’s bowman fell over mid hoist and in true commitment continued hoisting laid on his back on the floor of the cockpit, while the rest of the crew just laughed!

Most talked about moment on the dock?

Dark & Stormy’s start in the harbour race. On Wednesday all 120 boats started on the same start line for a race around the harbour. Team D&S won the committee boat end despite the RS21s being one of the smallest boats on the line, which gave the big boats a run for their money!

What settings/modes felt quick this weekend?

with the varied conditions though out the week, it was important to adjust rig settings for each day to maximise performance. Also knowing when to leave the jib hoisted or dropped downwind in the marginal planning conditions.

Who won?

1st | GBR252 Dark and Stormy | Liam Willis

2nd | IRL290 RS Ireland | Kenneth Rumble

3rd | GBR284 RS North | Nick Redding

Who do the class need to thank?

Huge thanks goes to;

• Cork Week
• Royal Cork Yacht Club
• Kenny Rumble – RS Sailing Ireland
• Harken

When’s the next event?

Round 6 and the nationals championship in Dartmouth – 15th-18th August – Charters still available