RS800 Gul Inland Championships at Grafham Water SC

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Emma McEwen receives the prize for 1st Lady Crew at the RS800 Nationals © Ela Miller

Race one started in 5-7 knots, high wiring and crews enjoying the comforts of the play-pen. An oscillating breeze offered gains for those who could find lanes in the light airs. Roger/Will made the most of the right and were closely followed by Laurie/Dan who then snuck ahead on the first downwind leg. The positions remained to the finish with quite a gap opening up to Pete/Chris in third.

Race 2 was similarly light and shifty, remaining important to get a clean start to keep good wind and options open. Roger/Will took the win followed by Luke/Emma, then Phil/John adding some new faces to the front.

Race 3 was much the same with a rainstorm increasing the breeze towards the end of the race, Roger/Will were first over the line, but were OCS, so the win went to Hugh/Hannah, followed by Laurie/Dan, and then Luke/Emma.

After a little pause as the rainstorm and lightning clouds passed by race 4 began. Another dark cloud threatened ominously above, holding off until the last lap when the wind increased to provide some double wiring upwind and down. There was more room to win and lose with the gusts rolling down, especially on the last run. Final scores were Roger/Will then Luke/Emma, followed by Phil/John.

After four close races Roger and Will were well deserved winners. Followed by Luke and Emma, and then Laurie and Dan. It all looks set for a good final event of the year at Datchet on the eighth-9th November.