29er Grand Prix 3B (the rerun!) at Rutland Sailing Club

29er Grand Prix 3B at Rutland © UK 29er Class Association

Chilled Winds, Hot Competition, and Victorious Vibes!

Last weekend saw a brrracing Weekend at Rutland, where the winds were colder than ice and the competition was hotter than a jalapeño in a salsa contest! The 29er Grand Prix event saw sailors donning their thermals, battling the gusts, and putting on a show that warmed the hearts of all in attendance.

Icy winds couldn't freeze the racing spirit, with the wind playing hard to get at a frosty 8-13 knots all weekend, our intrepid sailors faced the elements with smiles as wide as the icy lake. It takes more than a chill in the air to freeze the racing spirit, and these sailors proved it with every tack and jibe.

Jac Bailey and Ben Sinfield were named masters of the chilled seas and took the top spot like seasoned polar explorers, Jac and Ben sailed their way to glory after some fantastic racing making a name for themselves as relative newcomers to the fleet. Rumour has it they were using icicles as wind indicators, but we can neither confirm nor deny this chilly strategy. Regardless, they left their competition shivering in their wake and claimed the first-place podium with style!

29er Grand Prix 3B at Rutland - photo © UK 29er Class Association

James Crossley and Sam Webb followed in hot pursuit in the cold waters. The duo of James and Sam didn't let the chilly breeze deter them. They carved through the frosty waves with the finesse of ice-skaters on a frozen lake. Second place never looked so hot, and these two sailors made it clear that even in freezing temperatures, their racing game was sizzling.

Annabelle Vines and Amelie Hiscocks proved to be the icy belles of the 29er waters. In a true show of girl power and sailing prowess, Annabelle and Amelie clinched the third-place spot after a tightly competitive race series seeing them finish 2 points off first and equal points off second place boat. Their performance was so cool; we're pretty sure they could give Elsa a run for her money.

29er Grand Prix 3B at Rutland - photo © UK 29er Class Association

All 45 competitors had a wonderful weekend full of applause, frostbite, and post-race hot cocoa. As the sun dipped below the icy horizon, the cheers from the spectators warmed the racers' spirits. With frozen fingers but hearts on fire, the competitors gathered to celebrate the weekend of exhilarating 29er racing. And what better way to end a chilly competition than with some steaming hot cocoa?

The Rutland Grand Prix might have been frosty, but the camaraderie, skill, and sheer love for the sport thawed out the weekend. Until next time, keep those sails high, your hearts warm, and may your races be as hot as a summer day—regardless of the freezing wind!

Overall Results: