4000 UK Series at Grafham Water Sailing Club

4000 UK Series at Grafham Water © Richard de Fleury

4000 UK Series at Grafham Water © Richard de Fleury

Set in the heart of the Cambridgeshire countryside, Grafham Water was the setting for the most recent UK Series meeting for the 4000 class on 13th – 14th September 2014.

The multiclass event was excellently hosted by Grafham Water Sailing Club, with a strong fleet of 2000s, 3000s, Vagos and 4000s all of whom were made to feel very welcome with great sailing, weather and entertainment.

The 4000 class comprised 11 competitors from across the country. We had 3 races a day to battle it out. The first of the races started on Saturday at 12pm with a slight delay for the changing wind direction. Once racing got underway we settled in to some enjoyable sailing with relatively light winds, giving some good tactical beats and runs.

The first race got off to a good start with the 3000s and 4000s on the same start line. From the start there was a good battle for the lead with Steve & Sarah Cockerill winning out over Fran Howell & John Reynolds and David Marchant & Oliver Bayes-Shelton. David and Oliver did have a good lead only to be hauled in by a cruel wind shift. The start of the second race was harder fought with Tim & Harry Litt and Steve & Sarah over. Unfortunately Steve & Sarah were not aware they were over and allowing the way for John & Fran to take first place. The third race got off to a great start with Richard & Jo de Fleury coming through the line on port from the pin end providing some excitement and setting them off in a prime position for the race, however their lead was cut short sadly with an injury sustained to Jo's ankle resulting in their retiring from the race and the rest of the weekend's sailing and a visit to hospital (best wishes for a quick recovery and return to the water). The third race was taken by the eventual winners for weekend; Steve and Sarah Cockerill.

With the wind building and promising to provide a more challenging setting for Sunday's racing, we started at 10.30am with what appeared to be a good breeze for crew to trapeze on all legs.... and some crews practicing the odd capsize. A solid and consistent performance throughout the races saw Steve and Sarah Cockerill secure first place for each race closely followed by John Reynolds and Fran Howell in second and Tim and Harry Litt in third place.

Thanks to Grafham Water Sailing Club for the excellent food and music arranged for the Saturday evening along with some great facilities for some pre-race food each day in the Wet Bar. Finally thanks also to the race officer and safety boat crews for enabling us to have a very enjoyable weekend.

Overall Results:

Next event: UK Series Round 2 & Inland Championships - Rutland Water Sailing Club 18th-19th October.