RS200 GUL Grand Prix - Probably the best event of the last few years

by Debbie Darling on 21 Jul 2010 RS200 Gul Grand Prix sailors arrived at Exe SC over 17-18 July 2010 and experienced – and this seems to be said every report, but its true! – Probably the best event of the last few years.

Those missing the event, mainly because they had gone early to Garda for either holiday time or sb3 worlds, definitely made a mistake because I’m sure Exe had better conditions than out there.

Saturday saw a light wind start but it eventually built to a good 10-13 knots as the sun appeared from behind the cloud. With the breeze coming off the shore but also a strong tide running around the bay, tricky questions were asked of the fleet.

Dave/Jane Hivey answered those questions most consistently, scoring 2,1,2 and taking the overnight lead. Behind, James ‘I just want to dance’ Stewart/Tobytastic counted two bullets but interspersed it with a sixth while new pairing Hamish Walker/Emma Clarke showed themselves to be the best of the rest, recording 3,2,3.

The fleet then headed home, a long journey beating against a strong tide. However, the tedious struggle was worth it as Exe SC had again laid on the best spread of cakes west of Weymouth, which were consumed with a pace not regularly seen.

A top night was then had at the club, with a live band made up of club members, a quality ‘mixed grill’ dinner (heavy on meat, low on anything else, mmmmm…) and excellent rum. Just what you need to set up a trip to Q Tip.

Sunday morning dawned to sore heads, overcast skies and what seemed like little wind. However, once at the river and ready to launch, it was clear that a quality day was in store.

The breeze had shifted to the south and was now up to 18 knots, there was slack(ish) water, pure blue skies and large rolling waves – nirvana!!

The Hiveys were, I presume, slightly overwhelmed with this bliss in race four, as that can only explain their premature starting tactics and subsequent impression of a submarine.

However, they came back strongly and won races five and six in impressive style. Stewart/Toby took an early win and then two seconds while third place was nabbed by local youth team Horlock/Pearce in races four and six but kept by Walker/Clarke in race five.

Behind, places chopped and changed as boats got it right or wrong. All though came off the water with massive grins and were met with once again an impressive cake spread.

Overall, the Hiveys and Stewart/Toby were tied on points. However, Stewart/Toby took the Gul Grand Prix win courtesy of a better discard result. Walker/Clarke were third. Top silver fleet were Tim Ellis/Lucy Preston and bronze winners were Jonny Coate/Kate Phillips, justifying the long trip from Weirwood SC.

Many thanks must go to Exe SC for once again putting on a superb event, the 2012 nationals which will be held here can’t come quickly enough. Thanks must also go to Gul for sponsoring the event and providing some superb prizes.

The national circuit now takes a break as 83 RS200s will be competing on Lake Garda between 26 – 30 July 2010. If its half as good as this weekend, it will be awesome – a comparative cake review will also be forthcoming…

Results

Pos.	Helm/Crew	Club	Total	Pts.
1st	James Stewart / Toby Lewis	Weston	13	7
2nd	David Hivey / Jane Hivey	sailingtogs.com	25	7
3rd	Hamish Walker / Emma Clarke	RNSA/ASA	21	13
4th	Alex Horlock / Ed Pearce	Exe SC	28	21
5th	John Teague / Louise Fisher	BCYC	32	22
6th	Rob Janering / Charlotte Cotter	Wembley	39	27
7th	Sarah Pickard / Pete Cruckshank	BCYC	42	33
8th	Tim Ellis / Lucy Preston	Broadstairs YC	52	38
9th	Liz Teague / Darren Teague	BCYC	48	38
10th	Pete Vincent / Eluned Tiny Taff Jones	BCYC	51	40
11th	Henery Maxfield / Suzy Russell	Hayling Island	68	55
12th	Paul Teague / Pat Teague	BCYC	73	58
13th	Rosie Sands / Jordan Trick	Exe SC	77	62
14th	Jonny Coate / Kate Phillips	Weir Wood	87	66
15th	James Payne / George Payne	Exe SC	88	69
16th	Will Hussey / Erin Clark	RTYC	102	82
17th	Emma Daniels / Will Daniels	Stewartby SC	103	82
18th	Martin Lilley / George Melbourne	Exe SC	103	82
19th	Ollie Wright / Greg Wright	Paignton	103	83
20th	Chris James / Annabel Waddington	Exe SC	113	92

 

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