BSDRA Easterns 2022 Report

Blue skies and sunshine greeted competitors who gathered on Saturday May 14th for the Eastern region championships, hosted by Oakham School at Rutland Sailing Club. 14 teams from 10 schools arrived bright and early, some local, others from as far away as Kent and Surrey.

With the course set and in patchy light winds, the first teams took to the water only for the wind to die as the first race got underway. After an abandonment, the wind returned fleetingly to allow just five races to be completed before a new course was laid in an alternative sailing area.

The day continued with the race team working tirelessly to utilise every last puff of breeze. Competitors enjoyed the warm weather whilst waiting for their races and despite the frustrating conditions, it was so good to see all the teams together again after a long break from competition.

As the afternoon drew on, all teams had managed to complete four races and with two teams unbeaten, a final took place between Royal Hospital School’s pink team and Rutland. This was to be decided with the best of three races. Rutland won the first however, despite attempts to start the next race, the dying breeze unfortunately did not allow for any further racing and with little chance of anything meaningful developing, everyone headed ashore.

Rutland were declared the winners of this year’s BSDRA Eastern Championships, however all teams were commended for coping well in tricky conditions.

Huge thanks go to the race team, umpires and everyone who gave their time to help with the event. Let’s hope for more wind next year!