Gul RS Vareo Inlands at Grafham Water Sailing Club

RS Vareo Inlands at Grafham © Helen Saxton / www.fotoboat.com

RS Vareo Inlands at Grafham © Helen Saxton / www.fotoboat.com

RS Vareo Inlands at Grafham © Helen Saxton / www.fotoboat.com

The Gul RS Vareo Inland Championships were held at Grafham Sailing Club on the 10th and 11th October. A steady force 3 to 4 with a fair amount of sunshine provided welcome sailing conditions.

The first race provided the most wind for the day and both Chris Larr and Andy Temple fast out of the blocks. The rest of the fleet followed and fought out the minor positions. Chris won with Andy second and last years champion Matt Moore third. The second race was nearly a re-write of the first with Nigel Tinkler in third position this time.

The third race of the day saw a distinct drop in the wind shortly after the start. Both Chris and Andy were ahead of the fleet but as the wind dropped the lead shortened as the lighter sailors began to make small gains. In the end it was not enough with Andy covering Chris on the run down to the finish to take first. Chris second and Nigel third.

Sunday started light but by the time the first race started it began to blow a bit. There is a definite knack in sailing a Vareo fast upwind in a blow and this was demonstrated by both Chris and Andy. Downwind the field is a bit more open. Chris won race 4, Andy second and Nigel third. Andrew Wilson showed a clean set of heels at one stage and led the fleet but unfortunately went for a swim on the third lap.

By race 5 the wind had racked up another notch and capsizes became common occurrences. The first two positions were becoming like a stuck record with Chris first, Andy second. Richard Kemp-Salt decided it was time just remind everyone of his ability and took a strong third.

The last race of the day and the rescue crew were kept busy. The only thing that was in doubt were the minor positions. Both Chris and Andy went to play their own game on the pin end of the start. The rest of the fleet were so used to following them for two days that everyone overstood the windward mark which resulted in boats reaching into the buoy from all angles. Eventually everything sorted itself out with half the fleet failing to complete. Chris first, Andy second and Matt third.

The final positions for the 2009 Inland Championships were Chris Larr in his swan song in the Vareo fleet as Inland Champion. Andy Temple second and a countback between Matt Moore and Nigel Tinkler resulted in Nigel getting it with one more third place.

A special thanks to Tom who was the PRO for the weekend, who not only stepped into the breach at short notice but with the help of his team ran a good event with no hanging around which is exactly what the fleets want when it is blowing a bit.

Overall Results: