Grafham Asymmetric Challenge 2026

Race 2 start - Grafham Asymmetric Challenge © Paul Sanwell / OPP

A View from the Committee Boat

A fleet of 26 boats arrived at Grafham Water to a forecast that race officers dream of: sunshine and a 15-20 knot breeze. Perfect, we all thought. With the wind expected from the north-north-east, both the start and finish were positioned close to the clubhouse, providing excellent viewing for spectators.

The varied fleet included 4000s, Cherubs, Buzzes, Musto Skiffs, D1s, RS200s, together with a lone K6 and B14. For racing purposes they were divided into two starts and scored using the Average Lap handicap system.

As competitors assembled for the opening race, it quickly became apparent that the weather had not entirely read the forecast. While the average wind direction hovered around 025° at 12-15 knots, large, unpredictable shifts and punchy gusts came charging down the reservoir.

Undeterred, the fleet launched into the first race over an 1,100-metre windward-leeward course. The challenging beat demanded constant concentration as sailors negotiated the shifting breeze, while the exhilarating downwind legs provided spectacular rides — interrupted only occasionally by an unscheduled cooling swim.

Steve and Sarah Cockerill duel for position with Matt Reynolds and Ollie De Bartolo - Grafham Asymmetric Challenge - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

To gain tighter control over race durations — and, if we're honest, because the committee boat team felt a little sympathy for the competitors — the next three races were sailed on a slightly shorter 1,000-metre course.

As the day progressed, several fascinating battles emerged. In the 4000 fleet, Steve and Sarah Cockerill traded blows with Matt Reynolds and Ollie De Bartolo, while the Cherubs of Jonny O'Connor and Alex Harris fought a close contest with Paul Croote and Andrew Whapshott. Lurking just behind, ready to capitalise on any mistake, was Nick Craig in his ever-competitive D1.

Race one was won by Grafham's own David Annan in his Musto Skiff, while Tony Burton and Jack Slaughter took victory in race two aboard their 4000. From then on, the Cherubs dominated, sharing the remaining race wins between them.

John Aston and Gary Swanson in their K6 - Grafham Asymmetric Challenge - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

All four Saturday races were completed efficiently, allowing a tired but satisfied fleet to head ashore for an excellent evening meal provided by the club's outstanding catering team. The bar remained open courtesy of Colleen, enabling competitors to watch a certain football match — which, depending on your loyalties, may or may not have been important.

Sunday delivered more of the same, although with slightly fewer shifts and rather more wind. The breeze generally sat between 17 and 19 knots, with gusts regularly pushing into the low twenties. Four further races were completed on a compact 900-metre course.

The entertainment continued at the leeward gate and on the short, deceptively deep reach to the finish. Crews faced the perennial asymmetric dilemma: keep the spinnaker flying or take it down? Those who chose to press on occasionally found that an untimely gust combined with a wind shift transformed a controlled bear-away into an exciting charge towards the committee boat, much to the amusement of those watching.

The winning Cherub of Jonny O'Connor and Alex Harris - Grafham Asymmetric Challenge - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

The sailors put on a tremendous display throughout the weekend. Stuart Bailey and Sophie Wantling led the Buzz fleet, while Nick Craig finished as the leading D1 sailor.

A huge thank you goes to all the volunteers, both afloat and ashore, whose hard work made the event run so smoothly.

We hope to welcome an even larger fleet next year. Those who stayed away missed a superb weekend of close racing, exciting conditions and plenty of entertainment — both on and off the water.

See more action photographs

Prizewinners - Grafham Asymmetric Challenge - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

Overall Results: