Royal Air Force Yacht Club

At the recent J109 National Championships the RAF Offshore sailing team produced an outstanding performance to gain fourth place overall.  Over three days and in conditions ranging from flat calm to gales, the team sailed consistently well to record a highly creditable aggregate score.

Day One was particularly encouraging with the RAF scoring a fifth place in the opening race, but then in the second race the crew found itself in the unusual position of leading the 32 boat fleet across the finish line. Day Two was altogether more challenging.  With winds forecast to be between 15 and 18 knots, it rapidly built until the yachts were experiencing gusts in excess of 30 knots.  Red Arrow did well to maintain contact with the leaders and after five races were lying fourth overall. Day Three brought its own very different challenges.  Having recorded a sixth place in the first race of the day, in the second the wind decided to abandon the fleet altogether, about one minute after Red Arrow had crossed the finish line for a hard-fought second place. Final results showed Red Arrow had achieved fourth overall in this big fleet, beaten only by the very best, consistent class leaders.   The J109 is a highly competitive cruising/racing yacht that offers unbridled enjoyment to racers, be they beginners or more experienced.  Red Arrow, bought three years ago, is regularly entered into South Coast regattas, including Cowes Week, and race series.

Author: Wg Cdr S Crockatt