RS Feva Grand Prix 6 and EuroCup 4 at Parkstone Yacht Club

Phoebe Greenhalgh and Megan Gowers, third overall - RS Feva Grand Prix 6 and EuroCup 4 at Parkstone © Oli King Photography

Saturday - Day 1

The day began with hazy clouds, but the forecast promised blazing sunshine ahead. During the competitors' briefing, we were warmly welcomed by the Race Officer, Jeremy Harford-Tapp, along with representatives from the club and the Safety Lead John Deas, who all shared a few words. Our class coach, Duncan West, also addressed the group. The club's ceiling was adorned with vibrant Feva sails, adding to the atmosphere.

Eager to race, the sailors launched their boats as the weather transformed into glorious sunshine accompanied by a steady breeze. Jeremy, our Race Officer noted, "We had an action-packed Saturday with five clean races in solid winds—only one general recall and plenty of exciting racing moments."

After racing, we enjoyed a lively end-of-series social filled with entertainment from a local young sailor band. The evening was complete with dinner, mocktails, ice cream, and a silent disco! The sailors had a fantastic time, making it a wonderful way to celebrate the conclusion of our 2024/2025 Grand Prix Series.

RS Feva Grand Prix 6 and EuroCup 4 at Parkstone - photo © Oli King Photography

Sunday - Day 2

Racing faced a delay due to a lack of wind. Sailors launched around midday, hopeful for a building breeze. Just after 14:00 hrs, racing commenced, and with the emergence of a sea breeze, we managed to complete the sixth and final race of Grand Prix 6, starting in 4 knots and building to 8 knots by the race's end.

The weekend showcased a fierce competition between Benas Sapkinas & Mykolas Leipus from ESSC/NBA/POSEIDONAS Sailing Clubs (sail no. 9150) and Thomas & Daniel Whitehead (sail no. 8686) from Filey, vying for the top spots. Consistently finishing in 2nd and 3rd places were Phoebe Greenhalgh and Megan Gowers (sail no. 8600).

RS Feva Grand Prix 6 and EuroCup 4 at Parkstone - photo © Oli King Photography

Prize-giving was soon upon us, the commodore Roger Bennett, shared anecdotes from the weekend. The atmosphere was filled with cheers and applause as each team stepped up to receive their well-deserved medals and prizes.

This Grand Prix weekend will be remembered not only for the competitive racing but also for the enduring friendships and shared love for sailing, which continue to inspire everyone involved. Here's to many more thrilling races and unforgettable moments in the seasons to come!

Benas Sapkinas and Mykolas Leipus win the RS Feva Grand Prix 6 and EuroCup 4 at Parkstone - photo © Oli King Photography

Acknowledgements

As always, a multitude of thank-yous is in order:

• Gratitude to our sponsors, Rooster and Wuka, for their support throughout the year.
• A big thank you to Parkstone Yacht Club for their warm hospitality.
• Special thanks to Jeremy, the race and safety team, and all the dedicated volunteers.
• Thanks to Oli King Photography for capturing great photos and drone footage.
• Appreciation goes to parents and coaches for traveling and bringing their sailors to the event.
• Finally, thank you to all the sailors for making GP6 an enjoyable and competitive experience.

RS Feva Grand Prix 6 and EuroCup 4 at Parkstone - photo © Oli King Photography

Podium Positions:

• 1st Overall - Benas Sapkinas & Mykolas Leipus (sail no. 9150) from ESSC/NBA/POSEIDONAS Sailing Clubs all the way from Lithuania joining us for the EuroCup 4 event
• 2nd Overall - Thomas & Daniel Whitehead (sail no. 8686), brother duo from Filey
• 3rd Overall - Phoebe Greenhalgh & Megan Gowers (sail no. 8600) from Port Dinorwic Sailing Club, standing strong for Welsh female sailors
• 4th Overall - Noah Helm and Will Fenton (sail no. 2369) from Lyme Regis Sailing Club, claiming a bullet on the last race of the series!
• 5th Overall - Austeja Karcauskaite & Auguste Zukauskaite from ESSC Poseidonas also visiting us from Lithuania
• 6th Overall - Emily Franklin & Hattie Pond/Jack Kent all from the home club Parkstone Yacht Club

Benas Sapkinas and Mykolas Leipus win the RS Feva Grand Prix 6 and EuroCup 4 at Parkstone - photo © Oli King Photography

Overall Results:

Thomas & Daniel Whitehead, second overall - RS Feva Grand Prix 6 and EuroCup 4 at Parkstone - photo © Oli King Photography