Dart 18 Grand Prix 2 at Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club

Only 15 hardy crews decided to challenge the severe weather forecast and travel up to Yorkshire for the second GP of the season. Friday was spent unloading the articulated lorry which had transported Darts from the previous week's French Nationals on the Riviera near St Tropez and it seemed that some of the hot sunshine had also been brought to Bridlington!

On Saturday for the first race, other than very tricky launching through the metre high breakers, the 25 knot wind and thunderstorm didn't quite materialise and close racing ensued with local boat Mat and Jakob Exon taking the win followed by team OMG, Mike Gomme and Jenn Donovan. A last lap downwind surfing tussle promoted Des and Fionnuala Barnes from 5th at windward mark to 3rd at the finish.

After a course change and some dodgy wind swings it was a race win for Mike Jones and Christian Hocking with a second for Mat and Jakob followed by Deva Sail Racing's Simon Moruzzi with young crew James Waddington. With the wind steadily dying the race committee called it a day and preparations were soon in hand for the 'Caribbean Party'!

Sunday racing started on time in a beautiful sunny force 3-4 and 4 races were scheduled. 'Bullet Boy' Mat Finish having it his own way in the first 3 races but was pushed all the way by the chasing pack. OMG took the last race which helped secure an overall 2nd place ahead of Simon on count back, Royal Yorkshire's Joe Franks having a better day and pushing for a share in the top places. Adrian Parsons and Matt Kingsland, Datchet Water, are very happy with their new boat and took the handicap prize with an 8th overall including a 4th place in race 2.

Overall Results:

1. Mat Finish, Mat and Jakob Exon (RYYC Bridlington) 6pts
2. OMG, Mike Gomme and Jenn Donovan (UKIDA) 16pts
3. Deva Sail Racing, Simon Moruzzi & James Waddington (Dee SC) 16pts
4. Business as Usual, Des & Fionnuala Barnes (RYYC Bridlington) 21pts
5. Fluid, Joe Franks & Ellis Stonehouse (RYYC Bridlington) 23pts