WASZP GP at the Weymouth & Portland Nationals Sailing Academy

Stuart Appleby wins the WASZP GP at the WPNSA © Victoria Payne

Light wind were forecast for the combined event for the Moth and Waszp at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy over the weekend.

In the first race, Victoria Payne took the lead after the windward mark being chased by Rachel Jenkins, followed by Sean Purdy. Light winds meant the Waszp sailors who started 3 minutes after the Moths were catching the back of the Moth fleet in this low riding day. Stuart Appleby was sat at the window at home watching the race while looking after his new baby. With an 1 mile windward mark and 2 laps, the course was longer than the Waszps are used to and it gave them an opportunity to experience some race angles demonstrated by the Moth fleet and enjoy the Portland harbour in the sun.

Victoria Payne pulled out quite a lead of half a leg and took the bullet for the one race of the day. As the wind dropped many of the fleet were taken in with the RIBs.

Five races and an early start were planned for the Sunday and the morning's extra breeze brought Stuart Appleby and new Waszp sailor Rory Hunter out to play. All the Waszps racked up on their start line and were off. Rory and Stuart had some exciting battles at the front of the fleet, with Victoria taking a third.

The wind increased for race three with Stuart and Rory leading the fleet and Waszp Queen Rachel coming third. Victoria struggled with being overpowered and went in for an early cup of tea. Sean took fourth.

Race four saw Rory and Stuart have an excellent race again with the newcomer showing he had some great pace. Rory took the bullet, closely followed by Stuart with Rachel in third.

The final race was left to Stuart and Rory. Rory was looking as if he had the in the bag and then he capsized two boat lengths before the finish line attempting a jibe, allowing Stuart to take the win.

Overall Results: