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Once again the weather Gods were kind to the competitors at ExCel for the Ovington Boat Show Grand Prix.

A select band of Musto Skiff, 29er and B14 sailors competed in the relatively warm waters of the Royal Victoria Dock next to the ExCel Exhibition centre.

With the wind in the West racing was held on a windward – leeward course with an upwind gate.

In the Musto Skiffs it looked like a battle between Dan Henderson and John Reeke. However it was Dan’s fast reactions and last years experience that enabled him to get the better of John who had the lead in every race but either went swimming or landed in a big hole. John ended up in 3^rd place behind Tom Wright – also an experienced hand at Dock sailing. So with all races to count Dan Henderson in AIG Engineering took first prize.

Dock sailing was to also prove invaluable in the 29er fleet, last year’s winners Phil Walker and John Mather were able to repeat their performance and take the 29er title. However it was not without a struggle, with three different winners from each race it was right down to the last leg to see who would come out on top. Adam Larvin & Siobhan Escritt counted a 1,2,4 against Phil & Johns 1,2,3 who only just finished behind Adam & Siobhan in the last race. 3rd place was even closer with the result going to count-back, it was Henry Lloyd-Williams and Sam Batten who got a first place in race 1 stealing the final podium place from Alex Mothersale and Hamish Ellis.

Even though many of the B14 fleets boats were still on their way back from Australia and the world championship the fleet managed to produce a full fleet and still have the top sailors competing.

Mike Bees & Martin Worth stamped their authority by winning the first 2 heats but with the wind easing and flicking to the southwest it made the last race extremely tense and the gust and holes appeared over the high rise flats. However, Mike and Martin kept their cool under pressure from Mark Emmett & George Morris to take the B14 title. Mark & George won the last race which was enough to give them 2^nd place in front of Phil Murray & Kevin Rutherford.

A glitzy price giving took place on the main stage in the show with prizes from Harken. Thanks to Paul Botterill and National Boat Shows for organising the event and to Kevin Ellis and his team of Sea Cadets from the sailing centre for running safety, mark laying and car parking.