2021 RS200 Inland Championship at Grafham Water Sailing Club

Winner Ian and Chloe - RS200 2021 Inland Championships © Paul Sanwell, OP Photography

All three fleets arriving at Grafham Water Sailing Club (GWSC) were warmly welcomed by their team who were to go on to put on a superb event across the weekend, despite the challenging forecast.

Thirty-three hardy RS200 sailor teams turned up ready to compete for this year's Inland Championships, not fazed by the rather ominous wind and the rain forecasted. It was great to see that among the sailors were some new faces seeking practice before next week's Endeavour Trophy.

As the fleet rigged, the conditions were overcast with a gentle but gusty SSE - posing the question of what settings to go for? In the end the forecast was true to its word and those that racked back were probably grateful.

Race One: With the RS200 fleet its usual keen self, and a starboard bias line enticing the feet to try their luck the first start resulted in a general recall, much to the relief of those keen beans. The race officer not wanting to hang around with the rain looming soon switched the more lenient U flag for the Black flag. Take two and the fleet was away cleanly. It was all about who could find the pressure downwind in race one. Experience prevailed and Lee and Anne Sydenham gave a master class on how to sail through the fleet to take the line honours, followed closely by Andy Davis and Pippa Kilsby in 2nd and Ian Martin and Chloe George in 3rd.

Race Two: With the wind now beginning to build it was getting into the territory of full 'sending it' down wind, with some very big patches of pressure making their way across Grafham Reservoir. Great if you were in them, frustrating if you missed them. Those that were bold and hit the far bank found the most consistent wind. Ian Martin and Chloe George always looked comfortable out in front to take the win, closely followed Andrew and Jill Peters. Isabelle Fellows and James Dowrick just pipped 3rd on the final downwind from Tom Goodey and Richard Thomas to round off the top three.

Race Three: By now it was a consistent 20+ knots with some larger gusts making things interesting. Tom Goodey and Richard Thomas rounded mark one in first and were able to hold on despite mounting pressure from Andy Davis and Pippa Kilby who took a close second, followed by Andrew and Jill Peters.

By now the weather had really taken a turn and everyone was grateful to get back ashore to the warmth of GWSC's bar - the much more appealing option. Topping the evening off was some excellent food, well earnt by everyone!

Second, Andy and Pippa - RS200 2021 Inland Championships - photo © Paul Sanwell, OP Photography

Sunday welcomed us all to a much sunnier GWSC with SW winds building steadily throughout the morning.

Race Four: Again, in the first race of the day Lee and Anne Sydenham got off to a fast start, taking the lead on the first downwind. Eventually they were overtaken by Ian Martin and Chloe George who took the line honours. Ever consistent Andy Davis and Pippa Kilsby finished third.

Race Five: It was great to see so much chopping and changing of positions, with some of the gustiest conditions of the weekend being responsible. Left downwind seemed to pay dividends and Ian Martian and Chloe George rounded off a hat-trick of bullets and crossed the line in first. They were followed by Andy Davis and Pippa Kilsby in second, and Tom and Jo Hewitson in third.

Race Six: This really was hold on to your hats weather by now with some monster gusts. Tom Goodey and Richard Thomas were able to take advantage of the big right shift off the line to hold onto a comfortable lead all race. Behind, Matthew Shorrock and James Clementson showed great boat speed in the breeze to take second, followed by Chris and Nicki Webber in third.

Third, Tom and Richard - RS200 2021 Inland Championships - photo © Paul Sanwell, OP Photography

Once again GWSC hasn't disappointed with all six scheduled races completed very efficiently. They are well deserving of a huge thank you. I'm sure I can speak for everyone when I say we are all looking forward to coming back again next year. For now, the circuit looks forward to the last Rooster National Tour event of the year which is the Harken RS End of Season Regatta hosted by Rutland Sailing Club on the 6-7 Nov. This is one not to be missed so I look forward to seeing you all there. Online entry is here.

Fourth, Andrew and Jill - RS200 2021 Inland Championships - photo © Paul Sanwell, OP Photography

Overall Results: