29er Class Association Grand Prix in Lymington
Over the weekend of 16/17th October we were delighted to welcome the UK 29er Class Association to Lymington for their 3rd Grand Prix of the season. The GP series consists of six national events held between September and May, with sailors travelling from as far as Scotland to compete. The Royal Lymington 29er squad, now entering its second season, was very excited to be racing on home waters for the first time, quite a few in new partnerships for the new season.
Close contests during racing
After a short delay waiting for wind, the fleet launched in a light breeze that settled into an 8-10 kts South Westerly, enabling race officer David Campbell James, with the assistance of local knowledge supremo, George Heathcote, to run 4 good races against a stiff ebb tide. The fleet enjoyed some close contests, with the podium places being shared out amongst 9 different teams.
Delicious cakes and a fabulous social at RLymYC
On their return to shore, sailors and on-the water helpers were treated to tea and a fabulous array of cakes made by parents (and grandparents!) of the Lymington squad. Thank you to all the bakers!!
The 29ers are really enjoying being able to once again hold ‘socials’ at their events, and on Saturday evening no less than 110 sailors and supporters descended on the Club for a pasta supper.
Sunday dawned bright and the sailors were treated to some champagne conditions with 4 more races completed in 10-15kts from the South West and glorious sunshine.
Royal Lymington squad successes!
Royal Lymington sailors Ben Mueller and Sam Webb had a fantastic weekend, winning 4 races to take 1st overall with a race to spare. Annabelle Vines (RLymYC) and Ralf Berry (HISC) were 1st mixed team and 11th overall and Olivia Bracey-Davis and Jake Stokes 3rd Mixed team and 23rd overall. The full Royal Lymington team results were as follows:
1st Ben Mueller and Sam Webb
9th Santi Sesto Cosby and George May
11th Annabelle Vines and Ralf Berry (HISC)
13th Ollie Vines and Kuba Staite (HISC)
23rd Olivia Bracey-Davis and Jake Stokes
28th Agnes Bracey-Davis and Ollie Baddeley
Thanks to all who helped at the event
A big thank you to all the 29er parent helpers both on and off the water, and to the Club members who kindly helped out with the protest committee on Sunday.
Join the 29er squad at RLymYC!
The Royal Lymington 29er Fleet welcomes sailors transitioning from our other junior and youth fleets. Our aim is to give knowledge and confidence to sail a technically challenging and rewarding double-handed high performance skiff, to sail it well, to make friends, to have fun and develop lifelong skills that are common to many aspects of sailing. Our vibrant 29er Fleet consists of sailors new to the fleet who are seeking to pair up with a crew or helm, as well as a number of established pairs who have been training together for some time.