UK 29er Allen Grand Prix 3 at Rutland Sailing Club

by UK 29er Class Association 8 Dec 2024 20:05 GMT 30 November - 1 December 2024

Rutland Sailing Club welcomed 53 crews for the third event of the UK 29er Allen Grand Prix series, combining a weekend of thrilling racing with festive celebrations.

With a steady breeze of 10-15 knots, unusually warm weather for Rutland, patches of sunshine, and excellent sailing conditions, the stage was set for an exciting weekend of racing.

Saturday: Testing Conditions and Tight Racing

Saturday brought slightly lighter winds dropping throughout the day, challenging sailors to connect the gusts and maintain momentum across the course. Trapezing conditions added to the spectacle as the fleet battled for position in tight, tactical racing. With consistency the ultimate goal, four different teams claimed race victories across the day, demonstrating the depth of talent in the fleet.

• Race 1: Jac Bailey and Ben Sinfield surged into the lead on the final run to claim a dramatic opening victory.
• Race 2: Charlie and Jamie Gatehouse delivered a commanding wire-to-wire win, staying ahead of the competition throughout.
• Race 3: Joe Wimpory and Finn Morris seized their opportunity to cross the finish line first.
• Race 4: Lila Edwards and Amelie Hiscocks showed exceptional poise, taking the final race of the day and earning the overnight lead thanks to a consistent scoreline.

Thanks to Race Officer Brenda Davies' efficient management, and quick race turnarounds, all four scheduled races were completed just before sunset at 3:50 pm- ensuring sailors had plenty of time to enjoy the evening's festivities.

Christmas Party Spirit

Saturday evening brought a shift from competitive intensity to festive celebration, as the club hosted the annual 29er Christmas party. Sailors, families, and volunteers donned their best Christmas jumpers and hats for the occasion.

A delicious Christmas dinner was served to 167 guests, filling the clubhouse with holiday cheer. Melissa Heppell stole the spotlight with her creative array of Christmas jumper outfits, earning her the Best Christmas Jumper award. The party proved a joyful highlight of the weekend, bonding the sailing community in celebration.

Sunday: Gusty Winds and Fierce Competition

Sunday's racing saw the wind build by 4-5 knots, bringing even gustier conditions and adding an extra layer of difficulty. Crews rose to the challenge, and the day's races showcased impressive skill and determination.

• Race 5: Jac Bailey and Ben Sinfield set the tone for the day with a dominant performance, securing the win.
• Race 6: The pair kept up their momentum, claiming another victory with their speed and tactical precision.
• Race 7: Charlie and Jamie Gatehouse found their groove again, pulling ahead to secure their second win of the weekend.
• Race 8: Ben Greenhalgh and Tom Sinfield capitalized on the conditions to win the final race, ending the weekend on a high note.

Final Results

After eight fiercely contested races, Jac Bailey and Ben Sinfield emerged as overall champions, discarding a 4th place finish to cement their victory. Joe Wimpory & Finn Morris and Lila Edwards & Amelie Hiscocks completed the podium with consistent performances across the weekend.

The UK 29er Allen Grand Prix 3 delivered everything the class is known for: competitive racing, camaraderie, and community spirit. With strong performances and festive fun, the event at Rutland Sailing Club will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight of the 2024/25 series.