One of the UK’s biggest dinghy racing events starts today (30 July) at Mounts Bay in Cornwall, perhaps the UK’s favourite regatta venue. The Gul RS National Championships will span two weeks, with three of the RS Classes racing during each week. The RS200, RS300 and RS600 classes go first, racing from Monday to Friday. There is then one day for the organisers and club to catch their breath before the RS400, RS800 and new RS700 race from Sunday to Thursday next week. Entries look set to top 350 boats, yet another record for the RS Championships.

The drama has already started for some competitors. RS300 sailor Ben Ward had travelled about 300 miles and only had about 20 to go when the car behind mounted his boat, pushing the front of the trailer clean through the bow and the tow bar into the car boot. One call to the RAC and another to the LDC regatta support centre put his series back on track. The RAC delivered the boat to Mounts Bay, and after a night time session in the workshop only a close inspection reveals that the a few hours ago the boat was about six inches shorter!

The weekend heatwave has been replaced by a light cloud cover this morning, but the breeze is not yet strong enough to allow racing to start. No matter what, with support from title sponsors Gul International and additional associate sponsorship from Jeep, an action-packed regatta is assured. Watch out for regular reports on the racing as the championship progresses.