3rd June – 6th June 2006

A huge fleet of 51 boats attended the RS700 National Sailing Championships over four days from the 3^rd to the 6^th June at Eastbourne Sovereign Sailing Club.

Competitors arriving in the town from all over the country and even two all the way from Germany.

Despite a poor forecast for wind speed the competitors were delighted to have a nice racing breeze on three days and real Eastbourne blasting conditions with big waves and strong winds on the third day.

Ten races were run over the four days with the Race Officer Maggie Macdonald setting windward Leeward courses from the Committee boat. The RS 700 is a very fast single-handed racing skiff capable of speeds in excess of 20 knots and are all manufactured to be identical in every way, this made for some very close racing over the four days.

The National Association responsible for the RS700 class of boats attracted several sponsors from the yachting industry and also raised a considerable amount of money for their chosen charity for the year, “Sail 4 Cancer”

 Local sailor Alex Kouriakis managed a very creditable 6^th place overall, despite being disqualified for being over the start line in the last race.

The event was won by Paul Bayliss from Porchester Sailing Club, Paul had the luxury of not having to compete in the last race due to his commanding position on top of the leader board. However, the other placings were fought for right down to the last race with only a few points separating the top 5 boats.

Commodore of the club Mick Whitmore was delighted to be joined by the Mayor of Eastbourne at the Prize giving and thanked all of the club members who had given their time to ensure the event ran smoothly, he went on to say that big national events like this are not only good for the club but also good for the town as many sailors had brought family members to the event.

The Mayor kindly presented the prizes and was glad that the competitors had seen Eastbourne at its best, blue sky, sunshine and good sailing winds.

The Class association presented the club with a large framed photograph signed by all of the competitors in gratitude for an event well run, also mentioning that this was by far the biggest National Championships the class has ever had, and that they hoped to be back again soon.