18ft Skiff UK Crand Prix Round 5
The Ovington Challenge Plate, the final event of the UK Grand Prix was hosted by Hayling Island Sailing Club in summer like conditions. Dave Hall, Paul Constable and Tom Partington on Ronstan UK gave a repeat or their Torbay performance, showing their light air dominance, winning 2 of the 3 races on Saturday. Mason Woodworth and Simon Hamilton with able stand in Chris Draper sailed Investec Private Bank into second, winning what would ultimately be the final race of the 2008 season and securing themselves the title of 2008 UK Grand Prix Champions.
In race one Grant Rollerson brought some Aussie guile to the racing taking the helm of Fat Face. He was in the mix until the Coreolus force obviously played a part in sending the southern hemisphere native the wrong way around a the first leeward mark, gifting the race to Ronstan.
Race two was a fantastic battle that saw Pica, Fat Face and Ronstan all hold the lead at one point in the race. A careful layline call and superb downwind speed eventually took Ronstan into the lead at the finish with Investec chasing home second.
Race three became a parade as a huge right shift after the start saw Investec capitalise on a perfect boat end start. Two laps in the dying breeze saw Investec lead Ronstan home in order of the UK Grand Prix positions.
Sunday racing was cancelled due to lack of wind, but the warm and sunny conditions made for pleasant conditions to pack up the boats after a great 2008 season.
Congratulations to the 2008 winners
2008 European Championship Ronstan UK
2008 European Grand Prix Series Pindar
2008 UK Grand Prix Series Investec Private Bank
2008 UK National Championship Holt/Selden