RS Feva End of Seasons at Queen Mary Sailing Club

RS Feva End of Season Championship at Queen Mary © Isobel Joce

The RS Feva UK 'End of Season' Championship at Queen Mary Sailing Club attracted 94 boats the largest number of entries ever for a RS Feva GP event in the UK. The third of 4 qualifiers the event saw 15 new entries to the Worlds Qualification Series, joining 10 other helms who have competed in one event, 36 helms in two events, and 44 helms in all three events in the Series so far. The fourth and final Qualifier will be hosted by Grafham Water SC on April 21/22.

The fleet launched into glassy calm conditions at QMSC hopeful that the wind would fill in. After a wait of one hour a black cloud slowly came into view & with it 4 knots of breeze just enough to get the racing started. Amazingly the fleet got away first time. After a one lap race it was light weather specialists Arran Holman & Crispin Beaumont who took the win fresh from their victory at the last Feva GP at Chew Valley held in similar light conditions. 2nd to the line was father & son team Ben & Sam Richards; 3rd brother & sister team Max & Sally Clapp.

The fickle wind held for race two but after a general recall the black flag came into play to keep control of the gang planted at the port end of the line. Tom Darling & Will Dolin glided into the lead on the downwind leg with Oliver Scott & Tom Mitchell in 2nd but closing up in 3rd was Arran & Crispin. Arran & Crispin overtook Tom & Will on the final yards to the line to take another win with Oliver & Tom in 3rd. After AP over A was hoisted the fleet was sent home for the day as the sun set over the tree tops.

Sunday's racing started in 6 knots & warm sunshine after a 2 minute Remembrance Day silence following a cannon blast from the clubhouse. With a long course set,it was Max & Sally in first with Chay & Strling Taylor in 2nd & Anna Prescott & Jess Eales in 3rd after the first lap. At 51 minutes it was Anna & Jess who took the gun from Jenny Smallwood & Jamie Webb in 2nd & 3rd Max & Sally.

The second race of the day got away on a black flag. Leading after one lap was Jenny & Pippa Cropley with Tom & Will in 2nd & Anna & Jess in 3rd. Arran & Crispin were in 4th but had been caught on the black fag. At the finish it was Anna & Jess in front with Tom & Will 2nd & Jenny & Pippa 3rd.

The wind remained fickle & the final race got away clear again on a black flag. Leading the fleet after the first lap was Elliott Wells & Jake Todd but chasing was Arran & Crispin with Jenny & Pippa in 3rd. The eventual winner of the final race & taking the title was Arran & Crispin whilst Elliott & Jake moved to 2nd & Will Robinson & Joe Hills pulled up to 3rd.

Overall Results: