The first major open of the UK circuit for the 29er class started at Rutland last weekend. In spite of the warm winter the fleet was greeted with a reminder that winter was not over. A 20 knot northerly blew across the lake bringing with it the cold air and wind chill.

The first day saw the heavy wind guys take the chocolates through the day’s three races, Will Tremlow and Pete Perera taking a 1,1,2, they were only really challenged by James Peters and Oliver Spensley-Corfield who gave away a first by not going through the gate before the finish. The rest of the fleet became very spread out making it difficult to make gains.

Sunday brought a milder and slightly gentler wind although there were still some pretty big gusts – but at least it was warmer! The racing was much closer and it was easier to make big gains… and losses.

The final result was down to the last race, Tremlow and Perera did enough to stay ahead of Peters and Spensley-Corfield. Sophie Weguelin and Sophie Ainsworth were first all girl team coming in at third.