Heavy Weather Full On Action at Budworth RS200 Open

Published 18:00 on 9 Jul 2026

Budworth Sailing Club recently hosted the fourth round of the Sailing Chandlery RS200 Northern Tour Series, welcoming six visiting crews to join nine home boats for a superb day of racing on the Mere.

The forecast proved accurate, with a lively west north westerly Force 4-5 breeze providing exciting and demanding conditions throughout the day. While the sunshine made for spectacular racing conditions, the strong winds and testing gusts ensured that boat handling and downwind speed were key to success.

Race one saw only six boats complete the course as crews quickly discovered just how challenging the conditions would be. Throughout the day, capsizes and retirements were common as sailors pushed hard in pursuit of Northern Tour points.

At the front of the fleet, Alastair and Helen Norris of Leigh and Lowton SC were in a class of their own, producing a masterclass in heavy weather RS200 sailing. Their exceptional boat handling and impressive downwind speed saw them take victory in all four races and secure the overall event win in convincing fashion.

The battle behind was much closer, with Budworth's own Russell and Vicky Page sailing consistently to claim an excellent second overall, while Alastair Hodgson and Ella Spain from Draycote Water SC completed the podium in third place.

Other notable performances came from Martin and Sian Joesbury, who finished fourth overall and secured two podium race finishes during the day.

A huge thank you goes to Hugh Devereux and his race team for delivering an excellent event, along with the safety boat crews who enjoyed one of their busiest days of the season keeping competitors safe in the challenging conditions.

Budworth would also like to thank Sailing Chandlery for their continued support of the RS200 Northern Tour Series and all competitors who travelled to the Mere to make the event such a success.

The Northern Tour now heads to Red Wharf Bay Sailing Club on 18th July for the circuit's only sea event of the season.