The weekend of the 14th of August saw four fleets of RS classes, RS Feva, RS 200, RS Aero and the RS400, battle it out at Carrickfergus Sailing Club.
This is the first RS event Carrickfergus have run since the completion of their new slipway.
Robert Espey and Richard Mc Cullough were the overall winners of the RS400 Northern Championships, with a total of 24 boats competing in the class from all over Ireland.
Day 1, the weather was unpredictable with light winds and big wind shifts, however, Race Officer Robin Gray still managed to get 3 races away as he made best with the conditions. There were 3 different race winners on day 1 with race leads changing all the time, keeping things interesting.
The first race was won by Conor Galligan and Evan Smith of Greystones Sailing club, continuing on from their win at the last race at the Inlands.
The second race was won by Christopher Eames and Rachel Tilley of QMSC who had a solid event finishing second overall – they pushed Espey and McCullough all the way and finished just 2 points off the lead.
The third race of the day was won by Andrew Baker and Luke McIlwaine SLYC, with Baker coming in on good form after his recent win at the RS Aero Easterns.
Espey and McCullough managed to top the leader board at the end of day 1 with 3 second places.
Hospitality was provided by the club on Saturday evening and left everyone ready and eager for Sunday's racing.
Paul McLaughlin and Owen McKinley of CSBC took the lead in the first race on Sunday in heavier conditions.
Espey and McCullough took a 4th in this race but came back fighting and won the final 2 races – crowning them overall Champions of the event. Espey now has an impressive total of 4 wins at the Northern Championships.
The Irish Nationals is the next event, taking place at Rush Sailing Club in September. Going by the form of the fleet at the Northerns this is set to be a great battle.
