A very busy paddock for the King George Gallop
by Andy Rice 21 Jan 2020 23:04 PST
26 January 2020
2018 King George Gallop © Tim Olin /
www.olinphoto.co.uk
This Sunday's King George Gallop in North London is the most recent addition to the Seldén SailJuice Winter Series and there are only a few places remaining if you want to beat the online entry deadline...
The weather for this Sunday's King George Gallop - event No.6 in this season's Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series - is shaping up to be refreshingly mild after the recent cold snap that has gripped the UK. With warm, moderate to strong breezes lining up for the North London reservoir, entries are filling up with around 60 boat already signed up for a maximum fleet size of 80. Like most of the Series events this winter, it looks like this one is going to book out before the day, so place your online entry here: www.sailjuiceseries.com
There are more than 25 different classes represented and defending champion from last year's Gallop, King George's Tony Cooper, will have his work cut out winning again in his Laser Radial. Among the leading contenders are the reigning Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series Champions who earlier finished runner-up in the GJW Direct Bloody Mary, 2000 sailors Simon Horsfield and Katie Burridge.
Some strong competition could come from the Aero fleet, with Pete Barton along with Ben and Nigel Rolfe in some 7s while Tim Hire is hiking down a bigger 9. The son/father duo Harry and James George have had great success in this Series in RS200s and 420s, and now the Lymington team are turning their skilled hands to some Scorpion racing, although they'll be hard pushed to beat the experienced team of Sheffield Vikings' Tom Gillard and Rachael Rhodes, both former SailJuice winners.
Overall rankings after five events
Defending champions Simon Horsfield and Katie Burridge (2000), hold on to top spot, but 2011/12 Champion Peter Gray (GP14) is up four places to close the gap, with Simon Hawkes (K1) completing the podium. With four events to count and record entries, it looks like it could go down to the wire this winter.
Sailing Chandlery Top Class
The GP14 class continue to hold onto top spot, but are being pushed hard by defending champions the Laser class, who are closing the gap and have jumped up to second place. The RS Aero 7s are in third position. Rankings are based on the best three results for each class across every race.
Trident Top Club
Draycote Water Sailing Club managed to get back on top, swapping places with Burton Sailing Club, with Staunton Harold Sailing Club completing the podium. Based on the best three results for each club across every race.
Following hot on the heels of the Gallop is the John Merricks Tiger Trophy at Rutland Sailing Club. Whether you're thinking of doing one or both, be quick with your entries at: www.sailjuiceseries.com