3rd Volvo Grand Prix for RS Fevas at Grafham Water Sailing Club

Grafham Water SC hosted the 3rd Volvo Grand Prix of the series over April 5th/6th. The wind behaved for a change with 15 knots & perfect conditions.

The first start saw the fleet off the line cleanly. A perfect start from Jessie Main & Poppy Gilks helped them to lead the fleet upwind.

Hannah Tucker & Bethan Matthew were first at the top mark followed by Chris Edmonds & Jess Harding as the wind dropped & the rain started!

By the end of lap one Piers Nicholls & Freddie Peters were leading from Hannah & Bethan; while Harry Barker & Josh Beck climbed up to third. By the second windward mark Piers & Freddie still lead; 2nd Cris & Jess; 3rd Harry & Josh. Places held for lap 2 as the wind increased back to 15 knots & much to the pleasure of the race team the rain stopped. Race one was a clear win for Piers & Freddie; Harry & Josh second with Harvey & Bobby third.

Race two was lead by Daniel Lewis & Elliott Marshall at the first windward mark from Chay Taylor & Philippa Blunden. At the end of lap one Dan & Elliot had a clear lead with the pack behind being incredibly close. Kathryn Hutton-Penman & Matthew Jayasakara squeezed round in second with Piers and Freddie third. At the second windward mark Dan & Elliott lead from Piers & Freddie, with Harvey Martin & Bobby Hewitt climbing to 3rd.

The wind was now consistently over 15 knots but Dan & Elliott held on for the win; 2nd Piers & Freddie; 3rd Harvey & Bobby.

With the wind having dropped slightly for race 3 it was Hannah & Bethan leading from Dan & Elliott followed by Harvey and Bobby. Hannah & Bethan held their lead to the finish as the ‘pack’ closed in. Excellent work! 2nd Harvey & Bobby; 3rd Dan & Elliott.

A 4th race was sailed due to a ‘windier’ forecast for Sunday. The race got away on the second attempt. At the top mark Harvey & Bobby ahead of Dan & Elliott followed by Ed & Charlie. By the end of lap 1 Harvey & Bobby still lead but Ed & Charlie are up to second. Third was Harry & Josh. By the start of lap 3 Ed & Charlie overtake Harvey & Bobby but by the windward mark first round was Dan & Elliott followed by Ed & Charlie then Harry & Josh. Lots of place changes on the last run as gust came down the race course. Harry & Josh come out on top followed by Harvey & Bobby then Dan & Elliott.

The wind resumed at about 15 knots on Day two. Harvey & Bobby lead for the first lap with Greg & George Kelly in 2nd; 3rd Ed & Charlie in a building breeze. By the end of lap two Greg & George had the lead with Harvey & Bobby in second then Ed & Charlie. The chasing pack were too close to call. At the last windward mark Ed & Charlie were ahead with Harvey & Bobby second; Piers & Freddie third. By the finish Harvey & Bobby took the win from Ed & Charlie.

Points were close for the final race & the breeze was a steady 13 to 17 knots. The fleet got away clear & at the first mark Harry & Josh lead Greg & George; 3rd Harvey & Bobby. By the first leeward mark Harry & Josh had a strong lead from Harvey & Bobby with Greg & George third. By the end of Lap two Harry & Josh have a 1 minute lead over Ed & Charle; 3rd Hannah & Bethan. But at the last windward mark the ‘pack’ were catching! A 24 knot gust brings the leaders down to the line. Harvey & Bobby almost take the lead but nearly wipe out in the process! Harry & Josh take the win from Ed & Charlie; 3rd Greg & George who just pip Harvey & Bobby who finished without the kite. This was enough, however, for them to take the overall win of the Volvo GP.

Thank you to GWSC including Peter & Sue Saxton for running some fantastic racing. A huge thanks to Volvo for sponsoring the circuit & supplying cars for a competition enabling the Profitt & Conlan families to arrive in style.