Docklands down draft

Hugely gusty conditions greeted competitors of the London Boat Show Henri Lloyd 9er Grand Prix.

For the second year running the 49ers were invited to race in the dock next to the Excel centre on the last weekend of the London Boat Show. This year the 29ers were invited as well and a select fleet of both boats took to the water on a blustery damp winter Saturday.

Both fleets were on the water at the same time with a split start. The 49ers went first and were all treated to an early bath as they learned where all the gusts and lulls were! The 29ers followed having the advantage of seeing the spectacular capsizes from the vicious gusts and therefore almost being prepared for them. In fact, at one time it looked like all the 29ers had overtaken the 49ers until the 29er fleet also found themselves a victim of the 'Docklands down draft'.

In the 49er fleet it looked like last years winners Richard Bone and Chris Rodway would dominate the racing after the first race, but they didn't get it all their own way taking their fair share of dunkings. Mike Senior and Chris Tatersall were always hot on their heals and won the last race. However, it was Richard and Chris in All Good Fun who deservedly took the overall trophy.

It was an international fleet for the 29ers. Nonika Oikonouiopovlov and Stelios Noutos travelled from Athens to take part. After a last place in the first race Nonika and Stelios went on to take two first places and the trophy. Henry Maxfield and Dicken Mclean sailed a very consistent series ending up on the same points as the Greeks but lost it on countback.

Results:

49ers

1- All Good Fun, Richard Bone and Chris Rodway
2- Vibe, Mike Senior and Chris Tattersal
3- Eits, Mark Dell and Paul Dell
4- 237, Andrew Friend and Thomas Virden

29ers

1-Nonika Oikonouiopovlov and Stelios Noutos
2-Henry Maxfield and Dicken Mclean
3-Andy Wood and Ali McInnes
4-Oscar McVeigh and John Mather