Hayling Island sailing Club held their annual 49er open meeting in conjunction with the 29ers last weekend (13-14 July). A combination that is popular with both fleets.

Conditions were tricky on Saturday while the offshore breeze fought the new sea breeze. It made for interesting decision making both up and down wind. Sunday was a classic Hayling day, a postponed start waiting for the sea breeze ensured that when the racing started the fleet had an excellent days racing in 12knots.

It was the new boys from the 29er class that served notice that there are a number of new and very talented teams on their way up. Ben McGraine and James Perry won five out of the six races and the overall event. The only other race winner was Guy Farrant and Peter Greenhalgh who had to be content with second. Simon Marks and Ali Sutor having had a short break sailed a steady series to claim third while Paul Towers and Ben Remoker improved through the weekend to finish fourth. Roger Gilbert had a good Saturday in the lighter winds but had to be content with fifth overall.

Overall Results

1st GBR708 Ben McGraine and James Perry

2nd GBR 644 Guy Farrant and Peter Greenhalgh

3rd GBR566 Simon Marks and Ali Sutor

4th GBR656 Paul Towers and Ben Remoker

5th GBR442 Roger Gilbert and James Stewart