9 rig winner Peter Barton
Twenty-seven RS Aeros travelled to Burghfield SC to compete in the inaugural sustainability challenge on 1 April 2017. With three fantastic trophies donated to the class by The Green Blue, warm spring sunshine and a light to moderate breeze the stage was set for a great first event on the UK Southern Circuit calendar 2017.
17 entries for the 9 rig, 7 entries in the 7 rig, and 3 opting for the 5 rig provided for fantastic fleet racing and close boat to boat tactical sailing.
The RS Aero Sustainability Challenge was won in the 9 rig by Peter Barton with local dad and son team Nigel and Ben Rolfe in 2nd and 3rd (regaining their family crown after losing it to the Bartletts at the Spring Champs). In the 7 rig a consistent performance from Chris Jones saw him take the title with Matt Evans and Chris Harrup 2nd and 3rd respectively. Tight racing in the 5 rig over the day saw Roshan Verghese clinch the victory followed by Roger Belton then Alice Lucy.
Thanks must go to Burghfield Sailing Club for being excellent hosts and also to Race Officer, Ian Bullock, and his team who managed the Aero fleets and the concurrent Blaze open meeting perfectly. A big thank you to The Green Blue and their sustainability project is also due for providing the winners’ prizes presented by The Green Blue Environmental Outreach Officer Kate Fortnam, and helping to educate the fleet on how to mitigate our environmental footprint.
Take a look at the RS Aero Sustainability Charter for more information.
With thanks to Richard Watsham for the race report and Jane Hutchins for photographs.
