The weekend of 1&2 October saw the 9th running of the Tri Services Radio Sailing Association IOM class National at the model boat lake in Gosport. The event attracted an 18 boat entry from skippers from all over the UK. All three services were well represented. It was a glorious weekend of weather to sail an event such as this, it was warm, the sky was egg shell blue and gin clear. The wind was from a kind direction and strong enough to enable good racing from the fleet for the whole of the weekend. Racing was tight and competitive at all levels with full use being made of the size of the lake. 24 races in total were sailed with John Cleave, retired Royal Navy, sailing his Obsession, an Australian designed and built boat winning the individual competition by 1 point from serving submariner John Taylor with Army representative Lester Gilbert third. The two main contenders had both sailed consistently well all weekend and the final result came down to last race of the day when John Cleave stayed ahead of John Taylor on the final leg to take the event. The Royal Navy ran off with the team trophy, and the leading person from the RAF was Tony Banfield. The Tri-Services RSA is open to any one who is or has served with the Armed Forces and who has an interest in sailing model racing yachts competitively. The National Championship is an annual event held at Gosport in early October towards the end of the competitive sailing season. If you are interested in joining the Tri Services RSA contact Dave Cox or Chaz Jordon.
