Volvo RS Feva Grand Prix Brightlingsea 2nd and 3rd July.
Another cracking weekend of friendly, competitive and tight racing in the Volvo RS Feva Grand Prix Series. This was the last of the series for 2015 / 16 so event and overall series results were up for grabs.
Well, we certainly had plenty of weather. Saturday was predominantly breezy with wind speeds recorded which ranged from 5 to well over 20 knots with a variable wind direction as various heavy rain clouds passed to the North and South of us. Race Officer Sarah Bines brilliantly set a course to make the best use of the estuary and avoid the worst of the weather. Good square beats across the tide made for challenging racing. In the last race of three, a third lap was called for in order to avoid the massive black cloud that was drenching the parents back at the clubhouse. Timed to perfection we sailed in behind it.
Sunday saw a lighter forecast and wall to wall sunshine. Again a SW gradient breeze for the first two races held across the tide and either side of high water followed by the sea breeze kicking in for the final race. Which was up and down the tide. Perfect summer sailing conditions in this gem of an East Coast venue.
So something for everyone and five race winners across the six races shows how tight the racing is in this fleet. Get a bad start and there is no easy way back as boat speed is very even across the fleet. Event winners Jack Lewis and Lucas Marshall proved consistency is key and did not post a finish outside the top four, which was their discard. The Jameson brothers sailed very well for second closely followed by D Squared (Dylans Macpherson and Collingbourne.)
The fun in the fleet was amply demonstrated on Sunday when between races several helms and crews were seen to desert their race partners for some socialising on other boats. One Feva was seen sporting four crew with several others three up. All were orderly reunited in time for the next start but how many other fleets demonstrate this level of camaraderie?
So after this excellent training event, we are now off to the RS Feva Worlds in Santander Spain where upwards of 170 boats are expected. How much international boat swopping can our intrepid sailors get up to in Spain between races?
Many thanks to our Sponsors Volvo who provided luxury transport for three families to travel to the event and Magic Marine for a great selection of prizes and trophies.
Winners of the Volvo RS Feva Grand Prix series are Jack Lewis and Lucas Marshall. The Jameson Brothers were second and Toby Mizzi and Tom Callan were third.