The final of the Gerber Laser Vortex Grand Prix Series at Rutland Water SC this coming weekend will see one lucky sailor walking off with a £3,000 Mark Warner holiday for four at one of their superb European resorts. Other prizes include another Mark Warner holiday for two, Gerber Legendary Blades Multi-tools and Laser product prizes. Unusually however, these prizes are not just going to the series winners. The Vortex class association decided to hold a draw for them so that every member had a chance to win. Draw tickets have been awarded to any member who has sailed in a Gerber Grand Prix Event this year. So around 60 lucky sailors will have their fingers crossed on Sunday Afternoon after the event prizegiving.

Thanks to the fantastic Gerber sponsorship, this year’s Gerber Vortex Grand Prix has been hugely successful with turnouts increased by 30-50 per cent. We’ve been to some of the top venues in the country and the organisation from both the class and clubs has been spot on in all cases.

The racing has been close and exciting with results often not decided until the last leg of the last race. In addition, the improvement made by the newcomers to the fleet (helped no doubt by what they learnt at the Gerber-sponsored Vortex Training Events) has meant that the established front runners no longer have it all their own way.

On shore, the fleet has enjoyed an excellent social calendar which, on most occasions, has included free drinks. The fleet has also had the opportunity to experience Clay Pigeon Shooting, a trip to the London Eye, Bungie Trampolining, a meal in a Tapas Bar, and Ten Pin Bowling with more to come!