WUKA and Rooster RS Feva Grand Prix GP1 at Ballyholme Yacht Club

Millie Greenhalgh and Tom Sinfield trying to roll Phoebe and Ben Greenhalgh - RS Feva Grand Prix at Ballyholme © Simon McIlwaine / www.wavelengthimage.com

With a sprint series training event completed on Friday, GP1 was embedded within the Feva Irish Nationals.

The fleet of 27 launched in a gusty south westerly and reached out about a mile for some consistent breeze in Belfast Loch. Aiden Pounder the RO got the first away on time with 12- 15 kts and occasional gusts into the 20s.

With a cross-section of experience, there were battles throughout the fleet with a few finding the sharp chop and feisty gusts a considerable challenge. The second race was a similar story with a trapezoid course again in use and similar experiences for all. The early frontrunners with two firsts were Phoebe Greenhalgh with her amateur crew Ben Greenhalgh, followed by Tom Sinfield with Millie Greenhalgh with seconds.

With the final race of the day a windward-leeward course was set which would prove a blessing for the mark laying team as the 20 left degree shift just after start continued its merry way to 40 degrees and beyond. Half way up the beat there were mixed feelings from the leaders and losers at the subsequent abandonment. Some slick work saw the course reset and into sequence only to be afflicted with further shifts, postponements and resets.

The gusts were increasing in ferocity as the fleet finally got away and some of the local talent decided it was time to demonstrate their metal. A first for Emily and Annabel Ridout, followed by Matt and Peter Ridout, with Jessica Dadley-Young and Sally Nixon closing out for a top 3 from BYC.

Racing largely complete, the heroics were not over as the fleet recovered to shore in a steady 25 Kts and reducing visibility.

Ross and Martha Noble concentrating hard off the start to take a third in Race 1 - RS Feva Grand Prix at Ballyholme - photo © Simon McIlwaine / www.wavelengthimage.com

Off the water and a post race snack was greatly received.

Whilst the sailors had been competing, a team of volunteers led by Glynis Ridout had casually rustled up a hearty two course meal and set tables for 80, all accompanied by an Irish three piece youth band! UK sailors, please don't expect this at every GP in the future.

Day 2 and 18 kts forecast kept a few boats on the shore. With the front runners now up to speed, the BYC boats threw down the gauntlet with a Ridout 1 and 2. The scores tight and positions changing on all the remaining races, it came down to a point between 1st and 2nd overall with at least three other boats all in contention to podium.

With a number of the Irish boats adopting a goose winging and death rolling downwind tactic on the runs, the fleet was largely split between those who did and did not use the asymmetric.

The final overall victors in GP1 were Phoebe and Ben followed by Emily and Annabel with third going to Tom and Millie. Emily and Annabel were also crowned Irish National Champions with Jessica and Sally as runners up.

With a haul of Rooster prizes distributed and a raffle of a full set of sails complete, it only left a fond farewell between all the sailors who returned home with happy memories and great friendships built. The event lead by Glynis and Matt Ridout was a resounding success and the welcome and hosting given by Ballyholme Yacht Club and it's members was unparalleled.

When asked for comment, Ben and Tom both agreed that the club also has the best showers in the men's changing rooms they have ever experienced at any sailing club but they felt unable to comment on the ladies' facilities!

Emily and Annabel Ridout take second overall - RS Feva Grand Prix at Ballyholme - photo © BYC

Overall Results: