Sunny conditions greeted more than 100 competitors for the 40th annual Grafham Grand Prix, with impressive racing displayed throughout the day at Grafham Water Sailing Club (GWSC).

Around 117 boats took part in the competition on January 2, which was held for the first in three years and competitors were split across three fleets, with 24 boats in the Fast fleet, 48 in the Medium fleet and 45 in the Slow fleet.

The Hunts Post: Simon and Katie Horsfield won in their 2000 on their way to winning the Slow fleet race.Simon and Katie Horsfield won in their 2000 on their way to winning the Slow fleet race. (Image: Paul Sanwell/OPP)

A gentle eight to 10 knots of wind speed allowed for perfect race conditions, with GWSC members Tim Evans, Ian Walters and Ewan Birkin-Walls finishing 5th, 10th and 11th place, and Thorney Island SC's Simon and Katie Horsfield taking home the win.

In the Medium fleet, GWSC pair Simon Kneller/Dave Lucas, and Colin Glover, finished a strong 12th and 14th place, with pair Peter Gray/Geoff Edwards of Blackwater SC winning outright.

The Hunts Post: Competitors line up for the start of the Medium fleet race.Competitors line up for the start of the Medium fleet race. (Image: Paul Sanwell/OPP)

GWSC Pairs Jon Sweet/Reece Webb and Tony Stokes/Thomas Hales then finished an impressive 4th and 6th in the Fast fleet, won by Ben Clegg of Brightlingsea SC.

GWSC race Officer John Aston said: "Well done to the Grafham staff and shoreside volunteers, and the catering team who put on a post-race pasta dish much appreciated by the competitors coming ashore in the cold albeit sunny conditions.

"Special thanks must go to club sponsor Gill for the supply of the prizes."

The 41st event has been scheduled for Saturday, December 30 2023.