Olimpic 420 Grand Prix at Draycote Water Sailing Club
by Sue Kalderon & Robbie King 29 Feb 2016 11:33 GMT
27-28 February 2016
"It was an arctic morning on Saturday; the sun was hidden and the wind was chilling. At Draycote Sailing Club, in some far region of England, a dozen brave 420 teams rigged with clenched teeth against the pain of the cold.
"Despite the savage temperature, we did 12 short races in the weekend, coming in for lunch on both days for some hot food lest the sailors die of hypothermia. We were blessed with a rake-1-playing-main breeze on both the Saturday and Sunday. Neil and Mike did a good job coaching the regatta, and Andy Shorrock was a pro PRO.
"I think all the sailors found the event useful and learned a lot, and we're all feeling ready to beat the youth squad in the qualifier there in a few weeks' time!" said Robbie King.
The first of six events in this year's Olimpic Grand Prix series, kindly sponsored by Olimpic Sails. 18 boats took part in this coached racing weekend, a warm up for the Inlands and Worlds and Junior Euros Selector to be held at Draycote Water in three weeks time. The event provided a learning environment within the context on a proper racing programme. Robbie King and Marcus Tressler took a convincing win, even before discarding two OCSs. Second, third and fourth were all equal on nett points, Alexander Hughes and Tom Smith; Jo Kalderon and Ben Shorrock; and Milly Pugh and Matilda Matthews. They were hotly pursued by the new under 17 boat, Vita Heathcote and Milly Boyle in fifth.
Thank you to Draycote Water to hosting this practice event; we look forward to returning soon.