420 class GP4 at Rutland Sailing Club

Sabine Potter and Merle Nieuwland in the 420 class GP4 at Rutland © Jon Cawthorne

The forecast tempting the near thirty 420s into GP4 at Rutland SC was looking moderate on Saturday with a much gustier Sunday; that was far from what we got.

Heading into the first race on Saturday with a very unsteady 10 knots, shifting only as a lake would, PRO Stogg kicked off the event. A strong start to the series from Harry & Ralph saw them winning the first race with Neil Marsden & Olivia Creasy taking second, Sabine Potter & Merle Nieuwland placing third.

Rolling quickly into the next start with another three races to go, the fleet was away first time, with what was starting to become a recurring theme of Harry & Ralph winning and Neil & Olivia taking another second. Third was snapped up by Arwen Fflur & Matthew Rayner.

Race three saw the conditions still varying and light and a new top two: first going to Imogen Wade & Hugo Valentine and second to George Creasy & David Bromilow, third place again for Arwen & Matthew.

Arthur Greaves and Angus McEwan in the 420 class GP4 at Rutland - photo © Jon Cawthorne

The final race of day one was close at the leeward mark with first and second constantly interchanging, but by the second windward, we (Arthur Greaves & Angus McEwen) were ahead by a decent distance, taking first in the last race of the day with Ethan Sparkes & Will Fletcher second and Imogen & Hugo for third.

Day two, and the conditions were looking a whole lot less than forecast with another light winds day ahead. Back to back triumphs with another race win for Greaves & McEwen closely followed by Tilly Brayshay & Charlie Howard in second and another third for Harry & Ralph; a notable mention to Nia Mecklenburgh & Immy Jones who banked a seventh in that race showing their potential.

Start line at the 420 class GP4 at Rutland - photo © Jon Cawthorne

Only two races to go and the racing saw Neil and Harry battling it out again with Neil coming out on top and Sabine then taking third.

The final race of the series, race seven, began with mere points between the top two with any outcome possible. Towards the top of beat two Neil & Olivia were in second place chasing the event win with all to play for.

However Neil showed that 40 odd years of experience pays off - taking the final race of the series, Imogen & Hugo claimed second and Sabine & Merle third.

Ending yet again another successful GP the podium stood with Neil "Marsbar" Marsden & Olivia Creasy in first, Harry George & Ralph Cawthorne in second and Arthur Greaves & Angus McEwen in third. A huge thanks to everyone who made this event possible and we'll see you at the next one.

Nia Mecklenburgh and Immy Jones in the 420 class GP4 at Rutland - photo © Jon Cawthorne

Overall Results:

420 class GP4 at Rutland - photo © Jon Cawthorne