See footage on  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGsOBPrqTRg

 

A total of 30 RS400's took part in the latest Gul Grand Prix event at Gurnard SC on the Isle of White over the weekend of 22nd/23rd May in beautiful weather and a light to moderate south eastly breeze.
 
On Saturday the tide was very strong flowing which made starting a challenge pushing the fleet over the start line although some how no starts were recalled.
 
In race one the leading boats were tightly compressed as they started the down wind leg due to the strong tide making progress down wind slow which made the fleet head in shore. From the leading pack it was Sims & George who judged the gybe angle best benefiting from slightly more pressure on the middle of the course closely followed by Simmons and Hosken and local sailors Bradley and Green. Positions remained unchanged for the last lap with the wind shifting to make the remainder of the race slightly one sided. 

In race two Craig and Stewart found their speed winning from Downer and Price and Sims and George. In the third race King and Brown recorded the win followed by Craig and Stewart and locals Bradley and Green.
 
On returning to the shore the sailing club made everyone very welcome and served a very good curry which was followed by the majority of the fleet heading in to Cowes for the rest of the evening.
 
On sunday the fleet raced in similiar light winds although the tide now flowing east resulted in the fleet heading inshore to get out of the tide. Race one went to yet another different race winner in locals Bowen and Kellett who took the lead from Newnhan and Schirmer who suffered badly from a large wind shift on lap 2.
 
Race 5 went to Downer and Price, 2nd was Craig and Steward and 3rd going to the new paring of Gray and Kinsey.
 
In the final race locals Brown and Kellett again went well although used some very interesting techniques at the start which must be viewed!!! Craig finally securing the win late in the race, Brown and Kellett taking 2nd and Sims and George 3rd.
 
Overall Craig and Stewart were 1st, Sims and George 2nd and locals Downer and Price third. In total there were 5 different race winners from the 6 races which shows the depth in competition.
 
The next circuit event in Arun YC on 5/6th June.