International Class Association

Write-up

Report by Sam D-T 

RS Tera Eastern Championships 2013 – Aldeburgh Yacht ClubThe RS Tera Eastern Championship was hosted by the Aldeburgh Yacht Club this year. The River Alde is a very tidal river, which many sailors found challenging to begin with, especially as it was equinoctial spring tides! There were 8 entries in the Pro fleet (only two boys) and 22 in the Sport fleet.The weather looked a bit on the light side going into the weekend, but not enough to postpone the racing as the sailors headed up river for the first two races. With the tide pushing the sailors behind the line, it was key to be near the line at all times and to get onto the sides of the river upwind to avoid the tide. Two races were run in the morning and in both fleets the racing was very close.After a quick lunch break the competitors were directed down river as the wind had swung to a gusty south westerly. A different piece of water, but just as close racing for the two afternoon races.A special mention for Archie Hainsworth who fell out of his boat during the second afternoon race, but unfortunately his leg got trapped in the toe straps and as a result he tore the hiking muscle in his thigh very badly. We all wish him a full and speedy recovery.Sunday’s weather report suggested that the wind would drop off throughout the day, so the race officer decided to try to hold three races in the morning up river. The water was very low to begin with, meaning lots of tactics were involved, especially with the tide pushing the competitors towards the line. Once again racing was amazingly close, but sadly racing had to be abandoned the second race as the wind failed. This left Sam DT as the overall winner in the Pros ahead of Niamh Davies and Lucy Greenwood, and James Oakley winning the Sports ahead of Matt Smith and Dylan Collingbourne.  In addition, congratulations to Jack Oakley winning the Ten & Under prize, and Issy Taylor-Jones who was first girl in the Sports.Everyone learnt a lot about the tide and general tactics, with the standard of sailing high throughout both fleets. All sailors will be able to use what they have learnt in future events, and some of the young competitors are beginning to stand out as the future stars of Tera sailing. A big thank you to Rick Gillingham (OOD & Commodore of Aldeburgh Yacht Club), the AYC caterers, David Keates (AYC secretary), the AYC staff, all the volunteer helpers, and Jonathan Thomson for organising the event.

Results