RS Feva Grand Prix at Northampton SC

by Debbie Darling on 26 Sep 2013 A fleet of 44 boats from around the country attended the Volvo RS Feva Grand Prix at Northampton SC. The forecast of a light weather weekend held true and the first race got away dead on time in 7-8 knots in overcast grey skies.

First mark leaders were Finley and Daniel Armstrong followed by James Hammett and Ben Todd. By the end of lap 2, James and Ben were ahead followed by Will and Matt Taylor with Hannah and Madeline Bristow in third. By the finish, the wind had increased to eight knots and shifted left with James and Ben first; second Hannah and Madeline; third Will and Matt.

The second race started and Will and Matt took the lead; second Harry Barker and Matt Beck. The race was shortened as the wind dropped away to a drift. Will and Matt held on for a win; second Harvey Martin and Bobby Hewitt; third James and Ben.

Race 3 got away under black flag as the wind came back to six knots and the sun came out. At the end of lap one Harvey and Bobby lead from Harry and Matt. Positions they held to the finish with James and Ben in third.

As the wind held and Sunday’s forecast was poor, the Race Officer decided on a fourth race. Again the start was all clear, on a black flag. At the end of lap one Jack Lewis and Lucas Marshall ahead with Will and Matt in second; followed by Finley and Dan. By lap 2 Will and Matt took the lead; second Finley and Daniel; with Harry and Matt third. At the finish Will and Matt secured their second win; second Harry and Matt; third Finley and Daniel.

On the second day the fleet were greeted with glorious sun but light and shifty winds. Race 5 was away clear under a black flag. Harry and Matt had a good lead by the leeward mark. James Leetch and Jemima Leedham were second; followed by Finley and Dan. The wind stayed constant at about 5-6 knots but still very shifty. The finish of race 5 was ‘neck and neck’ with Harry and Matt just beating James and Jemima; third Finley and Daniel.

The final race saw one boat caught black flag and the wind still light and shifty. James and Ben lead at the leeward mark. Second Will Spurway and Ed Conlan followed by a very close chasing pack. Entering the last lap it was Will and Matt ahead of James and Ben; third Dan and Elliot. On the last beat Will and Matt took a commanding lead which they held to the finish to secure the overall win. A tight pack followed with Harvey and Bobby second; James and Ben third.