Rooster RS Feva Grand Prix 6 at Ullswater Yacht Club

Rooster RS Feva Grand Prix 6 at Ullswater © Simon Greenhalgh

Ullswater was the venue for the 6th and final event of the RS FEVA GP series 23/24. With a number of conflicting events, and the northerly location being a little far from the class' centre of mass, the entry was low in numbers but not in ability.

With nearly all of the fleet's front runners in attendance we were greeted on Saturday morning by a glassy lake in drizzle and a forecast of 3 kts. Fortunately, Anemoi doesn't bother with weather apps and offered up 8 -12Kts SW down the lake which blew away the cloud into a very pleasant day.

With a windward/leeward course set the fleet were away on schedule with classic lake racing conditions. Gusts and shifts were in plentiful supply but always settled back close to course datum giving the sailors plenty to think about. Ed & Noah took the first win followed up by the usual protagonists. The start of the second had two over eager boats at the pin end and got the only individual recalls of the event.

The first 4 races were tight with positions changing right up the last mark and all of the fleet finishing within a minute or so of the lead boat. Making the most of their opportunities, the lightweight sisters Phoebe & Millie Greenhalgh took two 1st places in these four races. As we'd only been on the water for 2 1/2 hrs, testament to the efficiency of the race team, a 5th race was sent. In reducing wind strengths the last one was another tactical challenge but the fleet finished before the wind finally gave up for the day.

Rooster RS Feva Grand Prix 6 at Ullswater - photo © Simon Greenhalgh

Early off the water and whilst the parents might have enjoyed some light refreshments, the sailors played football and a few went on a mountain bike adventure. With adventure comes risk and unfortunately Olivia, one of the crews managed to run out of skill at a critical point on a bike and won a visit to A&E. We wish her a speedy recovery, alongside Mandy Whitehead who stepped into the breach and crewed on day 2, doing her back no favours.

Day 2 and a 5-8 kt northerly across the lake had the committee boat moored feet from the club and a windward mark overshadowed by the forest on the far side. This made for great viewing and plenty of frustration and that was only from those on the beach! Ed & Noah managed the best, threading the gusts together and getting away from the pack for wins in the first 2 races. Into the last and scores tight at the top few positions. The first laps again had Ed & Noah in 1st with the event leaders Ben & Tom(by 3pts), in 5th. The last run saw a breakage deny Ed & Noah their spinnaker and they dropped to 3rd. This gave the final race win to Will & Noah but the GP 6 overall went to Ben & Tom by a point.

With some slick teamwork the boats were packed up and the prize-giving was complete by 1430 with most making it home in daylight and seeing the end of this season's GP Series. Thank you to Ullswater Yacht Club for being a great venue and giving us very efficient racing and safety. Finally our sponsors Rooster and CoastWaterSports who provided a wonderful selection prizes and support for our racing. Next season's series kicks off in August and we look forward to seeing some old and new faces in the fleet.

Overall Results: