The warmth of our welcome was matched on Sunday morning by the smooth efficiency of the club as the boats were registered and participants issued with information and welcome packs, including smart commemorative tee shirts.  There was plenty of time to discuss the sailing instructions and course before the practice race in the late afternoon. Since the GP14 is virtually unknown in France this race gave the organisers an important opportunity to gauge the speed of the boat, how close it sails to wind, and other details which help in setting a good course. 

 The participants  are all silver fleet sailors of a similar standard, so competition is likely to be tight, as became clear as soon as they took to the water, there being less than two minutes between the first and the last boats. Connie Hicklin crewed by Emily Cole-Evans both from South Staffs led from start to finish with a remarkable consistency  of performance for such young competitors, winning by 100 metres.

Monday dawned with a forecast of a force 4 sea breeze scheduled for 2 o'clock which came in exactly on schedule. Race officer Francois Pedro set a superb course which was  challenging both on the beats, reaches and runs. GP 13904 Martin Warburton and crew Eleanor Davies led from start to finish fighting off a challenge from GP13930 Ian and Emma Sinclair. Martin held the lead through to the finish and unfortunately the Sinclairs were disqualified OCS. leaving  Dave and Ann Pugh to pick up second place.

Race two was started in a freshening sea breeze of approx 14 knots, a tight start line and much jostling for position causing the fleet to split.  Half the fleet  headed in shore whilst the other 's took their chances out to sea. The Sinclairs made the best of the heavier weather taking the inshore course which produced a 100 metre lead at the windward mark. Dave and Ann Pugh were in hot pursuit, closely followed by Martin and Eleanor.  Martin and Eleanor eventually broke through to gain second place, giving them the overnight lead in the championship.

Tomorrow's forecast is for more bright sunshine, cloudless blue skies and a steady force 4 sea breeze.