We arrived at Chew Valley for the first Gul RS Grand Prix Series event and were greeted with nice weather (has spring finally arrived?), a reasonable number of boats, but lacked wind.  We went afloat with race 1 due to start on time.  The first start that consisted of the joint fleet of the RS 700s and Musto Skiffs got underway.  The keenness of the RS 600s and a strong pin-end bias meant a general re-call occurred followed by the abandonment of the RS 700s/Musto Skiffs race due to the very shifty breeze.  The racing was postponed until the wind settled and the course could be set.
 
Race 1 eventually got underway properly, still with some of the fleet starting on port, which had an advantage with the shifty conditions.  Alan Williams was first to the windward mark followed closely by Jon Bradbury.  Places were won and lost in the wind shifts and James Sainsbury battled to the front in the second lap to take the win, Jon Bradbury in second, and Alan Williams in third.
 
With the wind beginning to pick up, race 2 got underway with James Sainsbury winning again, Steve Birbeck in second, and Jon Bradbury in third.
 
With the wind increasing further in race 3, Sainsbury ending up stalled on the start line with a few seconds to go so left the start line last, but tacked off to gain clean air, with some lucky shifts was first around the windward mark hotly followed by Steve Birbeck.  After some very close racing between the pair James Sainsbury won again, Steve Birbeck in second, and Guy Lonsdale in third.  Could James continue his run of bullets into day 2?
 
Sun and stronger wind greeted us on Sunday, but the fleet appeared to be a man down due to a late night in Bristol City Centre (yes, I'll admit it, it was me!).  Apparently, race 4 began on time with strong gusty and very shifty winds.  James continued with his winning streak and won, Guy Lonsdale in second, and Steve Birbeck in third.
 
In race 5 all boats were now on the start line and ended with Steve Birbeck winning, Jon Bradbury came in second, and yes, James Sainsbury in third.  Had he finally burst his bubble?
 
Finally race 6, and James appeared to be back on form taking the bullet, Steve Birbeck in second, and Jason Richards in third.
 
Generally, the event consisted of very close racing, some of the closest there has been with many place changes in difficult conditions.  Thanks must go to all those involved from Chew Valley for hosting the event.