WUKA and Rooster RS Feva Grand Prix GP1 at Ballyholme Yacht Club: A Premier Sailing Event

WUKA and Rooster RS Feva Grand Prix GP1 at Ballyholme Yacht Club

16-18 August 2024

The GP1 was integrated into the Feva Irish Nationals, following a sprint series training event completed on Friday.

The fleet of 27 boats launched in a gusty southwesterly wind, heading out about a mile to find some consistent breeze in Belfast Loch. Race Officer Aiden Pounder successfully got the first race underway on time, with winds ranging from 12 to 15 knots, with occasional gusts reaching into the 20s.

The fleet featured a range of experience, leading to battles throughout the race, with many sailors finding the sharp chop and gusty conditions quite challenging. The second race followed a similar pattern, utilizing a trapezoid course that provided a mix of experiences for the competitors. Phoebe Greenhalgh, assisted by her amateur crew Ben Greenhalgh, emerged as an early frontrunner with two firsts, followed closely by Tom Sinfield and Millie Greenhalgh.

The final race of the day featured a windward-leeward course, which proved beneficial for the mark-laying team as the wind shifted dramatically from 20 degrees left to 40 degrees and beyond shortly after the start. Midway through the beat, the leaders and those struggling experienced mixed feelings due to the subsequent abandonment of the race. The team worked diligently to reset the course and get the fleet into sequence, although more shifts, postponements, and resets caused further delays.

As the gusts intensified, the fleet finally got underway, with some local talent showcasing their skills. Notable performances included a first-place finish for Emily and Annabel Ridout, followed by Matt and Peter Ridout, with Jessica Dadley-Young and Sally Nixon rounding out the top three from Ballyholme Yacht Club.

After a day of intense racing, the fleet returned to shore in steadily increasing winds of 25 knots and diminishing visibility. A welcomed post-race snack was much appreciated by the weary sailors.

While the competition unfolded, a dedicated team of volunteers, led by Glynis Ridout, prepared a hearty two-course meal for 80 people, complete with setting tables and entertainment from a lively Irish three-piece youth band! UK sailors, however, shouldn’t expect this level of hospitality at every Grand Prix event in the future.

On Day 2, with a forecast of 18 knots, some boats remained on shore. With the frontrunners gaining momentum, the Ballyholme Yacht Club boats set the pace, achieving a Ridout 1-2 finish. As the competition progressed, scores remained tight, and positions changed in the remaining races, culminating in a narrow point difference between the first and second place overall, with at least three other boats in contention for podium positions.

Many Irish competitors adopted a goose-winging and death-rolling tactic while sailing downwind, leading to a noticeable split in the fleet between those utilizing the asymmetric spinnaker and those who did not.

Ultimately, the victors of GP1 were Phoebe and Ben Greenhalgh, followed by Emily and Annabel Ridout in second place, with Millie Greenhalgh and Tom Sinfield taking third. Notably, Emily and Annabel were also crowned Irish National Champions, with Jessica and Sally finishing as runners-up.

After a successful event, Rooster prizes were distributed alongside a raffle for a full set of sails. As participants bid farewell, they left with cherished memories and newly forged friendships. The event, organized by Glynis and Matt Ridout, was a resounding success, with the hospitality extended by Ballyholme Yacht Club and its members being truly exceptional.

In a light-hearted moment, Ben and Tom both expressed their enjoyment of the club’s facilities, specifically mentioning the exceptional showers in the men’s changing room, although they hesitated to comment on the women’s facilities.

Overall Results: