Results / Boll� RS200 Grand Prix Derwent Reservoir SC - 20/07/2013

Derwent Reservoir SC’s home fleet of RS200s welcomed six Northern visitors for the next stage of the 2013 Bolle RS200 Grand Prix Series.

Although the low clouds and a patchy north easterly breeze was causing concern for some, with the odd last minute spreader change or lightweight spinnaker sheet purchase, many enjoyed a leisurely morning of coffee and bacon sandwiches as the 13.00 start drew closer, enjoying the pleasant surrounds of the Derwent Valley and the fiver change from the £30 for entry and camping.

The first race got underway in a force 1 to 2 with big holes across the park and potential for large gains. And losses. Martin and Barbara Smith wriggled their way into pole position and converted in the fickle breeze to make a clear statement of intent. Adam McGovern and Claire Brunner snuck in for second ahead of Dan Perry and Richard Watson. In race 2 Andrew and Eve Hartley, pursued by Greg Liggins and Mel Landamore, made a break away at the front with Liggins/Landamore taking victory after the Hartleys were judged OCS on the fiercely fought start line. The Smiths took race 3 and race 4 and 5 were won by Josh Gebhard and Tom Baxter, who found themselves in a borrowed 200 with borrowed sails after a sailing sabbatical.

Their patience and cunning suitably tested for the day, the fleet returned to shore to make camp, fire up the barbies and drink some well-earned beers. A number of members and guests descended for the DRSC Summer Party and after various party games, guest DJ performances, dance moves and far too many jagerbombs, the competitors staggered to bed (some via a quick swim in the warm waters of the reservoir).

Bleary heads awoke on Sunday morning to similar conditions as the previous day, with no sign of the forecasted sun and 9 mph breeze. John and Heather Ward kept clear heads progressing from a steady performance on Saturday to hook up the race 6 win. Gebhard/Baxter won race 7 to hang in there for the overall victory but the Smiths had other ideas, finishing the series impressively with two firsts. They won the event, having pushed Gebhard/Baxter into second and with the Wards third. The Hartleys took Silver and Tim Smith and Emma Wood took Bronze.

Thanks go to Giles Passmore and the team for a well organised 9 race series, dealing swiftly with course changes and turning around back to back races with minimal waiting time. Thanks again to DRSC for hosting another great RS200 event at one of the North’s premier inland sailing venues.