Report(s): Ossian Geraghty and David Evans. Sam Streets report will be published shortly
*Youth Championship at Sligo Yacht Club*
David Evans
After Saturday’s racing was canceled due to high winds, the Race Officer rescheduled the first gun for 10:00 AM on Sunday. Conditions were much improved, with a steady breeze ranging from 8 to 13 knots, increasing throughout the day.
*Race 1* featured an intense battle between Sam and Adam for the top spot, while Arann Murphy and Ben McCaldin were close behind, competing to stay in the mix. Sam eventually pulled ahead, extending his lead to claim victory, leaving Adam to settle for second. Further back, Ben, Arann, David, and Jessica engaged in a tight race for third.
In *Race 2*The pin-end of the start line offered an advantage, which Jessica expertly seized, crossing the fleet on port tack. However, by the top mark, Riaghan and Meadbh had taken a significant lead, with David in second and Adam in third. Riaghan extended his advantage through the second leg, ultimately finishing well ahead, while David and Adam couldn't close the gap.
Heading into the final race, Adam led the standings with 5 points, closely followed by Sam with 6 points, and David and Jessica both sitting on 7 points. The championship was poised for a dramatic conclusion.
In *Race 3*Sam and Josh had the best start, leading at the windward mark, with Mateo and his dad in hot pursuit. By the leeward mark, Sam and Mateo had created a comfortable gap, leaving the rest of the fleet battling for third place. Adam secured third in a tight contest with David, Jessica and Ben.
With these results, Sam and Josh were crowned Youth Champions, Adam and Emily took the U19 title, and Ben McCaldin, alongside his dad JP, won the U16 title. It was an impressive day of sailing, showcasing the talent and determination of the young sailors at Sligo Yacht Club.
The GP14 Youth Championship and Autumn Open
14/15 September @ Sligo Yacht Club
Regatta Report - Ossian Geraghty
Like so much of this season, the weather did not co-operate on Saturday morning,
eventually forcing the Race Committee to abandon racing for the entire day. This gave PRO
Michael Conway a tall order to complete with just one days racing to satisfy two discrete
fleets within this combined event format.
Sunday morning brought with it, perfect sailing conditions. The Race Management team
were on the water early, course set and got the first race of the Youth Championship off bang
on time at 1000hrs.
Youth Championship
The GP14 class have worked hard to attract younger sailors into the class. And the fruit of
their labours were plain to see with twenty Youth (U22) helms lined up for the start. Sam Street and Josh Lloyd sailing Cloud Nine from Blessington Sailing Club, had a great start and
after sailing an impeccable first beat they rounded the top mark ahead of Kokomo (Adam & Emily Torrens) from Newtonards//Lough Erne and Sligo team Jessica & Mark Greer in
Ghostlight. These three boats pulled away from the chasing pack and positions remained all the way to finish line.
Race Two of the Youth Championship, saw the Rush SC boat Midas, with Riahgan Boardman and Maedhbh Butterly onboard get away clean. This, however, was a much closer affair than race one.
Midas was chased up the first beat, by two Sligo Teams Ghostlight and current GP14 Youth World Champion team David Evans and William Drapers, unnamed boat but locally known as Red Boat. It
looked like Jess and Mark Greer in Ghostlight were going to come on top but an infringement and 720 penalty saw them slip out of contention. Midas and Red Boat battled it all the way to the
finish, Midas taking line honours away from the Sligo Team. Kokomo, Ghostlight and Cloud Nine making the top five.
The Race Committee signalled a third race for the Youth Fleet. With four boats all within two
points of each other and no discard available. The podium places were all up for grabs. The breeze had built a little since the start of the day and the Youth teams were tightly bunched as
they reached the first windward mark. Mateo & Keith Louden in 14214 joined Street/Lloyd in Cloud Nine, Evans/Draper in Red Boat, Torrens & Torrens in Kokomo and the Greers
in Ghostlight in the leading pack. A close battle continued around a full Triangle Course, with places changes happening upwind and downwind. At the end of the final short beat to the line, Cloud
Nine (Sam Street, Josh Lloyd, Blessington SC) took the gun and secured the top step on the podium.
Youth (U22) Championship Results
1st Cloud Nine - Sam Street, Josh Lloyd - Blessington SC
2nd Kokomo – Adam & Emily Torrens – Newtownards / LEYC
3rd “Red Boat” - David Evans, William Draper – Sligo YC
Top U19
Kokomo – Adam &; Emily Torrens – Newtownards / LEYC
Top U16
14293 – Ben McCaldin, JP McCaldin – Lough Erne YC
Autum Open Report
As the boats crossed the finish line to complete Race 3 of the Youth Championship, crews swapped over from awaiting Ribs and the Autumn Open could get under way.
The Race
Committee were keen to keep things moving and in short order Race 1 was underway. The Sligo YC boat Wolf with Niall Henry and Ossian Geraghty on board was quick off the line and quickly
worked to the right of the beat. In close pursuit were two teams, Cloud Nine (Street & Lloyd), 14214 (Keith Louden & Mateo Louden). These four boats made it to the
top mark ahead of a compacted chasing fleet, allowing them to pull away during the downwind reaches. While the leading boats stayed in contact up the second beat, Henry and Geraghty
extended their lead during the remaining legs, showing a form that was to be devastating evident throughout the remaining races. Race 1, 1 st Wolf (Henry/Geraghty), 2nd Cloud Nine
(Street/Lloyd), 3 rd 14214 (Louden/Louden) Race 2 got underway without delay and once again Sligo boat Wolf closed the distance to the top mark before all others, but not by much, 14293 (JP &
Carolyn McCaldin), Red Boat, (Evans & Draper) and a stream of other contenders rounded the mark bow to stern. Henry and Geraghty had found their groove and despite a more closely packed
fleet, no one could catch them. The rest of the podium places were hard fought before finally Evans and Draper managed to squeeze ahead of The McCaldins on the last downwind reach. Race 2: 1 st Wolf
(Henry/Geraghty), 2 nd “Red Boat” (Evans/Draper), 14293 (McCaldin/McCaldin).
The Committee boat signalled for a third race and wasted no time getting it off. A wind shift in the last few minutes saw a crowded committee boat end. The fleet stacked up and closed slowly on the line with still twenty seconds to go. Once more Henry and Geraghty seemed to have a plan in place. Having hung back, they spotted a gap, and pulled the trigger. With many of the fleet early and close to stalled, Wolf hit the line at full speed and right on the gun. They were bow out, in clear air and gone. While the boats behind fought it out Henry and Geraghty went about their business to complete a hat trick of wins.
GP14 Autumn Open Championship Results
1 st Wolf - Niall Henry, Ossian Geraghty – Sligo YC
2 nd “Red Boat” – David Evans, William Draper – Sligo YC
3 rd Cloud Nine – Sam Street, Josh Lloyd – Blessington SC
Report: Keith Louden
30 GP14s travelled to Carrickfergus sailing club on 31st of August for the first of a two-day event at on what was one of the brightest sailing days of summer and a nice force 3 to 4 South Easterly breeze. Belfast Lough sparkled in the sun and only the ancient castle in the background could upstage its shine.
A total of 17 different clubs were represented, with 18 of the 30 crews competing from sailing clubs in Ulster, which is a sign of the strength of the fleet is in the North of Ireland. Every other Province in Ireland was also well represented. Only a few stalwarts of the class can remember the last time the fleet visited the town of Carrickfergus, maybe due to the abundance of youth currently within the fleet.
The class certainly were not disappointed with the welcome and management from the shore team to on water race management, led by former GP14 sailor and class President PRO Lawrence Baalham. PRO Baalham attempted to get the first triangular course race underway on time, but with such youthful enthusiasm and an over-zealous fleet it was not to be. Not to be out smarted by a fleet he knew so well Laurence swiftly moved to the U flag and, with only one casualty, racing was underway.
The first beat threw up some very unexpected challenges with an angry chop and some large shifts, and it was the boats who went right gained the advantage. It was the team of Colman Grimes and Ross Gingles from Skerries and Derwent Reservoir sailing clubs who led the fleet around the course, extending their lead with every leg taking the win. Jessica and Mark Greer holding off Alistair Duffin and Andy Corkill, claiming the remaining podium places.
The majority of the fleet started race 2 at the Committee boat end of the line and immediately tacked off unto port. However, it was the team of Connor Twolig and Matthew Cotter of Sutton Dinghy Club and Howth Yacht Club who found the best of the breeze and won convincingly, taking their first Irish fleet race win. Ger Owens and Mel Morris of Wicklow Sailing Club and East Antrim Boat Club crossed the finish line in second and brothers Steven and Johnny Nelson finishing third.
For the last race of the day the PRO Set up an upwind/downwind course which would test both nerves and skill with the entire fleet tightly bunched together. It was Ger Owens and Mel Morris who would prevail taking the win closely followed be Ross Kearney and Daniel Nelson of Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, and in third place, Father and son pair of Sam and Richard Street of Blessington Saling Club.
Day two dawned with a complete contrast in weather, but again with a nice force 3 to 4 easterly breeze, the grey missile would not dampen enthusiasm or spirits.
Race four started with the boats at the pin end getting the better of the first beat for the first time in the event This saw John and Donal Mc Guinness from Moville Boat Club battling it out with Keith and Matéo Louden of Lough Foyle Yacht Club, the latter eventually getting the win. Ger Owens and Mel Morris now finding their usual consistency finishing in third place.
In race five Conor Twolig and Mathew Cotter. fresh from their win the previous day, put in another commanding display to take the win and event to the final race. Colman Grimes and Ross Gingles came second and Keith and Matéo from Lough Foyle Sailing Club came third, just leaving themselves a little too much to do.
Race six was again a windward-leeward type course and the experienced multiple event winners Ger Owens and Mel Morris dominated from the start to finish. This meant that Conor Twoig and Matthew Cotter would have to wait a little longer for that first event win. Josh Porter and Sara Gowdy of Newtonards Sailing Club sailed a flawless race for second place and Ross Kearney and Daniel Nelson came third.
In the Silver fleet Rory Higgins and Jane Kearney of Royal North of Ireland Yacht club took a convincing win from Mullingar sailing Club’s Michael Collender and Brian Walker, with Lough Erne Yacht Club’s Michael and Emma Brines in third place.
In the hotly contested Bronze fleet, and finishing a very respectable eleventh and twelfth overall, it was East Down yacht Club pair Robbie Richardson and Nathan Telford who took the win from the youth pair Jessica and Mark Greer of Sligo Yacht Club, and Adam Torrens and Charlie Valentine of Newtownards Yacht Club and Lough Erne Yacht Club. All three crews will no doubt over the remaining events of the season, be saying their goodbyes to Bronze fleet and preparing for next season as worthy members of the silver league, or even the Gold fleet.
2024 GP14 Ulster Championship
Carrickfergus Sailing Club
Date: August 31st / September 1st
Final Results - HERE
2 Weeks after our World Championship in Pwllheli the Class managed to attract 32 entries (30 sailed) to Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland. This was the first time in almost 30 years that the Class had an event at the Club and what a little gem. Superb facilities both ashore and on the water met the fleet. A big thank you to Roger Woodward, the Club Sailing Secretary who was our liaison and made sure the event was a success. Roger confirmed his GP14 credentials when he produced his attendance trophy from the GP14 World Championships held in Thorpes Bay, United Kingdone way back in 1971.
As is the Class tradition, our 3rd place crew usually write up an event report (see below along with some photos) and I would like to thank Keith and Matteo Louden for putting this together.
While in Carrickfergus we took the time to presenet our 2024 National Champions Ross Kearney and Daniel Nelson with their mounted Irish Sailing medals.
Our NEXT event is the Autumn Open and Youth Championships in Sligo the weekend of September 14 /15. Please get you entries in asap to help the organisers with their preparation.
Autumn Open & Youth Championship
Sligo Yacht Club
September 14 / 15
CLICK HERE for NOR and Online Entry
Now Available Below
Carrickfergus Sailing Club
Online Registration & Entry Available
Click HERE for ONLINE Registration & Payment
This should be done ASAP to help Organisers prepare or the event. The event page on the website also includes important Local Information relating to directions, contacts and accomodation.
2024 GP14 Championship of Ireland
Newtownards Sailing Club
Date: June 28 / 29 / 30 2024.
Final Results - HERE
Report: David Johnston with Sam Watson
As things start to build nicely in the lead up to the GP14 World Championships held in Pwllheli, Wales in August, there has been some outstanding sailing within the ever busy Irish GP fleet to date. We have had the Munster Championships held in Killaloe Sailing Club for the first time, the ever exciting O’Tiarnaigh Challenge on Lough Owel Mullingar, and the Leinster Championship sailed out of Howth Yacht Club.
Evidence of the abundance of talent within the fleet, no two events have been won by the same crew, boasting 13 unique race winners out of a total 23 races. Something to also note this year has been the emergence of some new crews ready to mix it up with the old boys of the fleet, down largely to the immense time and effort of a number of class members to promote this amazing fleet to the masses and the youth, both of which will get further mentions below.
As the GP fleet descended upon Newtownards Sailing Club on the 28th June, we were welcomed with the incredible hospitality one comes to expect from NSC members. Not only that, but WIND!! And lots of it!!! While this was a welcome sight to most, having just finished the Round Ireland Race less than 12 hours previously, I was fearful for the state of my legs apres sailing. After a very quick and efficient briefing from our Race Officer Sheila, the 45 strong class began the long march down the slipway into Upper Strangford Lough.
The scene out on the water pre-race was a spectacle to witness. Boats flying left and right getting to grips with the conditions presented by the 20+ knot winds. Some brave souls attempted to test their kite skills, some opting to have a leisurely swim (to climatise I imagine), and unfortunately, the first victim of the weekend was claimed before a race had even been started due to a collision resulting in a hole in the front tanks.
Race One underway from a traditional line start, All Clear!! The first race was a real test of the metal with a short first beat that just required one thing, Hike like ****! First to the top mark was Sam Watson, over from the UK, followed closely by Ross Kearney. Up go the kites……or do they? Sam and David pop theirs but none from former Mirror World Champ Ross. Is the risk worth the reward? An absolute scorcher of a reach and both boats reach the gybe mark separated by only 2 or 3 boat lengths, around they went and thankfully no issues on the gybe, but Sam and David in Lil Yachty accelerate away faster with the added sail area. Ross hoists to follow suit. Sam retains a commanding lead for the remainder, while some vertical issues cause Ross to fall back to 10th, with Chris Bateman taking 2nd, and Sam Street claiming 3rd!
Race 2 sported similar winds however a large right shift had allowed any starboard side starters to profit from this and lead the way. Ross led by some distance at the windward mark. He opted for the kite straight away this time. Good man! After some seriously good racing up and down the course there was a strong pack of about 7 or 8 boats still all within grasp of a podium place. Sam and David however wanted a second bullet and pushed their boat hard down the final two reaches coming from 10-15 boat lengths behind Ross to within touching distance. Around the final gybe mark and disaster struck! The aluminum tiller had shattered under the load and left the pair to finish that final leg rudderless, having to settle for a 9th. Ross held on for his first bullet of the weekend, with “The Blesso Boys” Sam and Josh 2nd,and Sean Craig and Stephen Boyle 3rd.
There was multiple breakages and repairs to be done inbetween race 2 and 3, with Alan Blay having to replace a main halyard, making it out for the 3rd race, Ross and Daniel needed to replace their Jib Sheets, and the small matter of a new rudder for Sam and David. Race 3 definitely felt less crowded on the start line with a few more falling victim to the conditions and at least one more hole carved out of a hull. Wind back up again for the final race of an exhausting but awesome day. Sam and David had mastered the art of shutting off all pain receptors to work Lil Yachty, and the borrowed rudder, around the course and claim their second race win of the weekend with Sean and Stepen 2nd, and Alan Blay and Hugh McNally 3rd. After the sporty day we had had, it would have been very apt to rename the class Grand Prix 14.
Day 2 was a polar opposite with glass like conditions on the lough. It was becoming increasingly likely there would be no racing on the Saturday. An AP was sounded ashore and so the great wait began. Everybody walking around, ‘inspecting’ each other's boats and remarking over what fitout is better, and certain bluffers describing in great detail about which way to go up the course should the breeze fill in. I promise I am not talking about myself ?. As forecasted the breeze did fill in and our super RO got 2 brilliant races off on a day that looked likely to be tainted. Shockingly that previously mentioned bluffer could only manage a 10 and 11 in race 4 and 5 respectively. However further up the field there were some great battles with Ross taking race 4 and sailboat racing newcomer Ger Owens (who is that guy) with Mel Morris taking race 5.
Following the racing, after all boats were ashore, it was almost time for the Championship Dinner. After a few well deserved pints in the upstairs bar, the fleet started to flood into the dining room which was set up to the nines. A beautiful 3 course meal was closely followed by a mid event awards ceremony. Prizes included fancy new jib sheets and some mugs for some mugs. Special mention went out to Jennifer for all her hard work in organizing the event, and also a shout out to Meg Tyrell who after a long stint on the sidelines and in the commentary booth, hopped back in Ole Man Trouble, with Mr Trouble himself Curly Morris. Congratulations to both of you!!
Championship Sunday… Theres very little else like it! Especially when the top prize is still very much up for grabs, by not one, not two, but multiple boats looking to claim the coveted prize! Race 6 starting sequence underway…U Flag…. Queue Carnage at the Committee boat end with a certain NSC boat who shall remain nameless proving that if you wish for a gap hard enough, you still wont find one.. but you can manhandle yourself to the front of the line!!
Thankfully for all affected we had a few other naughties and a general recall was declared. Black Flag time. Very shifty conditions all day meant you had to be sharp on your game up those first beats to ensure you were within a shout of placing. A fierce battle between Sean, Ross, Chris, and Diana all around the course was settled at the death with Sean claiming first, Diana in second, Ross 3rd.
Race 7 was the first gate start of the event, and Stormin Norman the pathfinder. Start early or late that was the choice. Honestly it was anyones bet which payed off better, but a clear start with a lane to accelerate was the aim. With some curious driving by the guard boat to navigate, the fleet took off up the first beat. Again, shifty conditions all race. Chris Bateman showed incredible speed to get away from the chasing pack of Ger Owens and Sam Watson which looked to be the finishing trio come the final windward mark only for that infamous Mr. Trouble to snatch 3rd at the last tack, and hold on to the finish line. A tough race for current leader Ross who had to settle for 12th. With the other hopeful contender, Sean and Steven, scoring an 11, youd want to whip out your calculators folks, this one was going down to the wire.
And so it was, the final race of the Championship. Would Ross hold on to his lead, or could Sean, or Chris, snatch it from under him. Race 8 underway from a gatestart with Keith Louden as Pathfinder. Sam Watson and Ger Owens started first, landed a big left shift, flopped over to port and were away to the races port tacking the fleet…..or so they thought. For when they looked back to cover back to the left, the whole fleet were sailing through them from an even bigger righty which allowed all the later starters who carried on to the left benefit. Sean and Steven clear out in front, Ross deep in the dregs, Chris somewhere in the middle fighting his way to the left. After rounding the top mark, Sean way out in front, Chris had managed to fight his way into a very promising position too. And I think I even saw a magic 8 Ball ploughing through the top 10. However that 8 Ball would read “decidedly not” as RO Sheila decided to abandon the race due to the large shifts. A decision which was as polarizing as wood or plastic.
After a long wait, we finally got the last race away, from a line start, to conclude the GP14 Championships of Ireland. Ross was not going to let this golden second chance slip, He pressed hard at the front of the fleet grabbing onto 1st and not letting go until the finish line. An incredible showing in the final two races from NSC Adam Torrens was topped off by a second place finish, followed by multiple time olympian Ger Owens who couldnt deal with Adams speed up the final beat. After a couple inch perfect tacks on the line, narrowly missing the S flag by, yes, inches, Sam Watson pipped Chris to take 4th.
An amazing weekend, incredible tight racing, even better hospitality that we so come to expect in this fleet. The spoils this time go to our new National Champion Ross Kearney and Daniel Nelson, with Chris and Olin Bateman in second, Sam Watson and David Johnston in 3rd. The silver fleet was taken by the Red Rocket from Sligo, David Evans and William Draper as well as the Junior Championship. 2nd and 3rd went to Sam Wray, and Michael Cox respectively. And in Bronze we had Adam Torrens taking 1st, followed by Jessica Greer, and Riaghan Boardman. The U22 Youth prize was picked up by Sam Street and Josh Lloyd after a very impressive regatta. And Diana Kissane claiming the Kissane Rose Bowl for 1st placed female helm.
As I mentioned before, the youth in this class are scary fast, and only going to get faster. Expect nailbiting championships for many years to come down the line. Congratulations to our new Champions Ross and Daniel, well sailed! Thank you to Newtownards and the Race Committee for putting on a top notch event and getting all 8 races in. Thank you to the GrandPrix14 Fleet for showing up in your numbers as you always do, and good luck to all heading over to the World Championships next month.
The 2024 GP14 Championship of Ireland concluded on Sunday at Newtownards Sailing Club. 8 races across 3 days and a variety of conditions tested the 45 boat fleet. Friday saw 3 races in strong conditions with wind up to 25 knots, while Saturday saw the fleet stay ashore with no wind till almost 3:45 before 2 races in shifty light conditions were completed. Sunday saw an amendment to allow 3 races with PRO team of SheelaghLewis and Michael Terrell getting a gate start into the mix as well.
Friday saw Ross Kearney & Daniel Nelson (RNIYC) take a win book-ended by a pair of bullets from Sam Watson & David Johnston (Sutton Dinghy Club). Ross & Daniel and Ger Owens & Mel Morris (WSC/EABC) took the honors in Saturdays 2 races. Sunday saw Sean Craig & Stephen Boyle (RstGYC/SDC) and Chris & Olin Bateman (Monkstown Bay SC) take the first 2 races of the day.
Going into the day Ross & Daniel led from Chris & Olin with Sam Street & Josh Lloyd (Blessington) in 3rd with possibly 9 boats in with chance of a podium spot depending on discards. By the time of the last race, 3 boats still had a chance of taking the title, but with the weather playing tricks and multiple recalls during the day, getting the 3rd race in was never a guarantee and the 2nd discard could be so important.
After a wait and then an abandoned race, the 3rd race was completed with Ross & Daniel making sure of victory with a commanding win. Chris & Olin consistency across the 8 races with nothing greater than a 7th saw them take runner-up spot. A strong finish from Sam & David saw them just pip Sean & Stephen for the final podium spot.
With 7 Youth (U22) crews in the field, the GP14 Ireland focus on encouraging youth involvement is paying dividends. Sam & Josh had to settle for 6th and the Youth Championship trophy. A top 10 finish and the Silver fleet title went to David Evans & William Draper (Sligo) who again showed their promise. They also took the Junior Championship trophy. Definitely ones to watch.
Another up and coming pair were Adam & Emily Torrens (Newtownards Sailing Club) who were 2nd in the last race, a top 20 finish and the Bronze fleet and with it the inaugural Newtownards Perpetual Wheel trophy.
A big shout out to the Commodore, Commitee and all the members and volunteers at Newtownards who made it such a memorable weekend. The hospitality and facilities laid on was amazing. Also a big thank you to the GP14 Class captain in Newtownards Jennifer Bryce for your help in organising our premiere event of the year.
As is usual in the Class, a report from our 3rd placed crew will be forthcoming in the coming days.
Now Available Below
Newtownards Sailing Club
Online Registration & Entry Available
Click HERE for ONLINE Registration & Payment
This should be done ASAP to help Organisers prepare or the event. The event page on the website also includes important Local Information relating to directions, contacts and accomodation.
A fleet of 34 boats gathered at Howth Yacht Club for the third event of the 2024 GP14 calendar, showcasing the impressive depth of talent in the fleet. Predictions favoured Ross Kearney & Daniel Nelson (Royal North of Ireland YC), Sean Craig & Stephen Boyle (R St George & Sutton), and Colman Grimes & Ross Gingles (Skerries and Derwent Reservoir) to excel in the Leinster Championship.
However, the increasing competitiveness within the fleet is making predictions more challenging. The standout feature of the GP14 fleet is the emergence of home-grown talent, with elite sailors joining the races to test their skills. Among those drawn to the class at Howth were the 13th ranked ILCA 7 sailor Ewan McMahon, along with his father Jim, Howths Diana Kisane & Graham Curran, and Monkstown Bays Chris Bateman, now a familiar face on the GP14 circuit.
Noteworthy home-grown talent includes David Evans & William Draper, who continue to lead the charge for a large number of youth teams impressing this season.
The PRO Score Walls kindly accommodated gate starts for the event, enabling the fleet to prepare for the upcoming World Championship in August. Many of the fleet had never experienced gate starts and for some the honour of being pathfinder, on back of 5th place in prior race also came with some trepidation.
Notably the two-day event saw six different race winners across the two days of racing. Saturday featured a reasonably steady northerly breeze, warmed by a high-pressure system that brought hazy but clear skies. With Alan Blay & Hugh McNally as pathfinder, the first race win went to Class stalwarts John & Donal McGuiness (Moville BC). Race 2 with Chris Bateman & Kate Neville as pathfinders saw Hugh Gill & Richard Street (Sutton Dinghy Club and Blessington SC) take the honours from Sligo YCs David Evans & William Draper. Taking 5th in Race 2 meant Diana Kissane & Graham Curran were pathfinder for Race 3 and the Howth’s pairing found their footing to take the race win, leading from start to finish.
The emerging youth stars of the season David Evans & William Draper took 5th to be pathfinder for Race 4 with Colman Grimes of Skerries SC and Ross Gingles of Derwent Reservoir taking victory and becoming the overnight leaders despite holding a 10-point discard among their scores.
The championship remained open to six pairings overnight, with Sean Craig & Stephen Boyle holding the best discard and gross score, closely followed by Ross Kearney & Daniel Nelson, then Colman Grimes & Ross Gingles with Diana Kissane & Graham Curran, David Evans & William Draper and Hugh Gill & Richard Street still capable of pushing for podium spots. But would there be sufficient wind to complete the scehdule on Sunday.
Sunday’s race course was met with a lighter north-westerly breeze, which, combined with the land heating, created bands of calm and pressure and an ebbing tide. After an initial postponement to let the wind fill, PRO Score Walls managed to get the fleet away, with Blessingtons Sam Street & Josh Lloyd pathfinding in 5 knot breeze. The race saw light, tricky conditions with the event leaders covering each other with Michael Collender and Brian Walker of Mullingar SC storming up from the bronze fleet to grab the first race win of the day ahead of Alan Blay and Chris Bateman in 3rd.
The top three in the overall rankings fared poorly in this race, likely making it a discard for all of them, giving Sean Craig & Stephen Boyle 13 points over Ross Kearney & Daniel Nelson’s 16 and Colman Grimes & Ross Gingles' 17.
For Race 6, the PRO Score Walls’ job was made easier with a sea breeze steadily setting in from an easterly direction. Ross Kearney & Daniel Nelson read the course well and secured their first race win of the event but not before having to battle David Evans & William Draper who led at the top mark from Curly Morris & Rachel Stewart the pathfinder for the last race. For a moment on the water the RNIYC pair were virtual fleet leaders but there was still time for changes.
Sean Craig & Stephen Boyle, lying 5th behind Sam Wray & Luke Henderson and Paddy O' Connor & Brendan Brogan needed to finish 3rd or better for the championship. They eventually edged past the Sligo pair at the weather mark and into the finish to give them a single-point advantage over Ross Kearney & Daniel Nelson, with Colman Grimes and Ross Gingles finishing third overall.
In the Silver Fleet, David Evans & William Draper (Sligo YC) continued their dominant season, taking 1st (5th overall), followed by Rory Higgins & Chris Clayton (RNIYC) in 2nd, and Sam Wray & Luke Henderson (Sligo YC) in 3rd. The Bronze Fleet was won by Michael Collender & Brian Walker (Mullingar SC) who also celebrated their first ever Champiinship race win, with Riaghan Boardman & Maedbh Butterly (Rush SC) taking second, Dennis Cully & Ollie Lloyd (Blessington SC) third.
The prizegiving saw Emmet Dalton (Hon. Sailing Secretary), Christina Knowles (Rear Commodore) and Andy Johnston (GP14 Class President) present Race Winner as well as Bronze, Silver and Overall prizes. I must note that Race 5 and Bronze fleet winners Michael Collender (former Class President) & Brian Walker received a standing ovation drom the fleet on the occasion of their first ever Championship race win.
Receiving the McDowell Trophy as Leinster Champions, Sean Craig on behalf of the winning pair, commended the club on a terrific and hard-fought championship, paying tribute to the strength of the class in Ireland and the hospitality and organisation led by the race management team at Howth, which included stellar camping facilities at Howth
Congratulations also go to Lara Sunday, who was celebrating with an impromptu “Hen Do” for her forthcoming nuptials this summer.
The next event on the calendar is the eagerly anticipated Championship of Ireland at Newtownards Sailing Club June 28th to 30th.
Now Available Below
Howth Yacht Club
Online Registration & Entry Available
Click HERE for ONLINE Registration & Payment
This should be done ASAP to help Organisers prepare or the event. The event page on the website also includes important Local Information relating to directions, contacts and accomodation.
GP14 O'Tiarnaigh Challenge – Mullingar Sailing Club
May 18 / 19 2024
Report: Josh Porter
Mullingar sailing club was to be the host club for this year’s O’Tiarnaigh Challenge, and a challenge it was!
Saturday saw 29 teams turn up to battle it out to see who was going to make the cut for the finals on Sunday. Skies were a bit cloudy with light to medium wind conditions. With 6 races on the schedule, it was going to be a long and challenging day for all. PRO Jim Lambkin and his race team got racing away on time. Sean Craig with Stephen Boyle made the best of the conditions to take the win from, newcomer to the fleet, Chris Bateman sailing with Adrian Lee. This was swiftly followed with a great result from Adam and Emily Torrens of Newtownards in 3rd. Race 2 got away with a clear start for all. Sean Craig again getting away, this time followed by Conor and Matthew of the Wrong Trousers and the local boat of Alan Pinder and John Zumerchik also in the mix. By the end of the 2nd upwind, after heading out to the right, Josh and Sara had managed to pull their way to 2nd. At the finish it was Sean, Josh in 2nd , Alan 3rd and the Wrong trousers 4th.
Race 3 saw a great start from Norman Lee, with the top 10 boats all being very close to the windward mark. By the end of the first lap, Norman managed to stay ahead of Sean with Diana Kissane rounding 3rd. The next upwind saw many place changes throughout the fleet. Ross Kearney managed to get ahead of Sean at the front, with Keith and Mateo Louden moving up to 3rd and this became the finishing order.
The fourth race was led to the first mark by JP and Carolyn McCaldin, this time with Chris and Adrian close behind, Josh in 3rd and the ever consistent team of Sean and Stephen rounding in 4th. By the finish, Chris had moved into the lead with the McCaldins 2nd, Josh 3rd and Sean 4th.
Race 5 saw an exciting start with big splits to the sides in the fleet. At the top it was the team of Katie and Michelle who made it around in the lead, with Chris and Adrian hot on their heels. Tadhg and Brian of Tralee, were also having a great race rounding in 6th place. By the finish, Chris managed to get into the lead, with Sean 2nd and Katie finishing 3rd.
The final race of the day got underway with the left hand side paying. Patrick O’Connor made the best of this and made it round the weather mark in the lead. This time with Ross in 2nd place and Curly, with new crew Lara, following in 3rd. By the finish, Ross managed to pip the win from Patrick, followed by Sean 3rd and Curly having his best result of the day in 4th. This result will be welcomed by Curly’s wife Ann, who later commented on Curly being a little too eager to get over the line on occasion.
Day two arrived, this time with plenty of sun and warmth, just lacking a bit of breeze. This time, the fleet was split, the top 3 of each fleet now racing together for the O’Tiarnaigh trophy, with the rest of the fleet now racing on a separate start for the plate.
In race 1, Josh and Sara lead around the top mark with a slight gap over Chris/Adrian, Adam/Emily Torrens and David/William, however this gap and lead quickly disappeared in the dwindling breeze. On lap 2, David managed to work his way to the front, with Simon/Libby also onto a flyer. By the finish, David had pulled out a good lead over the rest of the fleet in the almost drifting conditions. Simon worked his way up to 2nd, Chris took 3rd and Adam 4th.
There was a gap between race 1 and 2 due to the very patchy breeze over the lough. When race 2 finally got underway, it was a bit of a lottery as to which side of the course was going to pay. David took the option to go right, and in the end didn’t work so well. Going up the middle and following the shifts payed off with Chris taking the lead at the top ahead of Adam, with Sean closely behind. After many place changes on the next lap, David/William managed to gain some places on the reach, to squeeze in their 2nd win of the day after pulling their way back up through the fleet, Chris moved to 2nd with Sean taking 3rd.
Down to the last race of the day and this time it was the left side paying with the Local boat Alan and John taking the lead at the top, Adam and Simon were 2nd and 3rd. By the second upwind mark, Adam was in the lead with Chris and Simon in pursuit. By the finish, Chris had taken the lead, with Alan moving back to 2nd and Josh moving up to 3rd. David and William finished in 4th, which was enough for them to take the O’Tiarnaigh trophy.
It’s great to see some younger talent moving up through the fleet, with the youth training making a huge difference to the quality of younger sailors the class now has.
Many thanks to Mullingar Sailing club for hosting this event and to PRO Jim Lambkin for making it such a challenging event. Just what the fleet needed with the Worlds not too far away. Next event is Howth and GP14 Leinster Championships and the first event on the sea before the Worlds.
Next Event is the Leinster Championship, June 1/2, Howth Yacht Club.
Now Available Below
Mullingar Sailing Club
Online Registration & Entry Available
Click HERE for ONLINE Registration & Payment
This should be done ASAP to help Organisers prepare or the event. The event page on the website also includes important Local Information relating to directions, contacts and accomodation.
2024 Munster Championship
KIllaloe Sailing Club
Date: 20 / 21 April 2024.
Report by : Ross Gingles
With the vibrant support of “8 Ball's” Des MacMahon, Killaloe Sailing Club enthusiastically hosted the esteemed GP14 Munster Championships. The club's warm hospitality matched the sunny weather, drawing 27 teams from across Ireland to experience the competition, and charm of sailing on Lough Derg. For most, it was their first time at the venue, while a couple of returning sailors enjoyed exploring the club's new and exceptional facilities. The fortune-teller Des had predicted warm smiles, blue skies, green mountains and sparkling waters, now it was over to the fleet to predict the game of “snakes and ladders” that was to unfold.
Despite forecasts of near-calm conditions, Aoife Lyon our Race Officer manged to orchestrate all six planned races, with a wise decision to complete four races on the Saturday. Ger Owens and Melanie Morris seasoned champions, of Wicklow Sailing Club and East Antrim Boat Club, secured victory in the Irish GP14 calendar's first event with an impressive three first-place finishes on day one, bravely navigating the challenging and what Ger later described as “sadistic” conditions that tested the fleet's resilience. The other race winner was Blessingtons Simon Cully & Libby Tierney.
With a very light forecast, the fleet were held ashore till after midday before being called onto the lake. The fleet had a number of false starts before the black flag was introduced for race 5. Another superb start from young David Evans and William Draper saw them battle Ger and Mel for 2 laps with the lead changing a couple of times. The young Sligo sailor held his nerve and took his first race win in the the senior fleet. Entering the final race of the event, scores remained tight between the pairings of Alan Blay and Hugh McNally (Sutton Dinghy Club / Howth Yacht Club) on 15 points, Sean Craig and Stephen Boyle (Royal St George’s Yacht Club / Sutton Dinghy Club) on 16, Coleman Grimes and Ross Gingles (Skerries / Derwent Reservoir Sailing Clubs) on 17 and David Evans and William Draper (Sligo Yacht Club) on 18. The final race would be the decider for the remaining podium spots, and with more pressure filling in from the right David Evans and William Draper led the charge and gained enough separation from the competition to claim 3rd place behind Sam Street & Josh Lloyd and Ger & Mel and jump into second place overall; concluding a great series for them highlighted by that first-place finish in race five. Third place was claimed by the duo of Coleman Grimes and Ross Gingles of Skerries and Derwent Reservoir Sailing Clubs, making their debut in the new black boat.
The impressive demonstration of talent and camaraderie, especially by the youth sailors who had been refining their skills at the E Howard-Davies GP14 Youth Training Week held in Plas Heli over the Easter break was noteworthy. Among them, David Evans & William Draper (Sligo Yacht Club) and Sam Street and Josh Lloyd (Blessington Sailing Club), showcased remarkable awareness in Races 5 & 6 respectively, adeptly seizing the subtle zephyrs to secure victory in that race.
In the Silver fleet, the top three spots were secured by David Evans and William Draper (Sligo Yacht Club), Simon Cully and Libby Tierney (Blessington Sailing Club), who also clinched a win in race two, demonstrating their exceptional skill in utilizing momentum and seizing the opportunities presented by the port flyer, and Tadhg O'Loingsigh and Eimer Moriarty of Tralee Bay Sailing Club. The Bronze fleet saw East Down Yacht Club’s Robbie Richardson and Nathan Telford securing first place, followed by Daithi and Arann Murphy of Tralee Bay Sailing Club in second, and Riaghan Boardman and Maedbh Butterly of Rush Sailing Club in third.
A sincere thank you extends to the hospitable club, Commodore Anne Gleeson, Sailing Secretary Eoin Enright and its dedicated volunteers for ensuring a memorable and enjoyable weekend. Killaloe's warm welcome made it the perfect setting to kick off the 2024 season's first event and, for many, their first sail of the year. The fleet eagerly awaits its return!
Next Event is the O'Tiarnaigh Challenge, May 18/19, Mullingar Sailing Club.
2026 GP14 World Championships
Alternative Venue Announced
(March 15th 2024)
Now Available Below
KIllaloe Sailing Club
Online Registration & Entry Available
Click HERE for ONLINE Registration & Payment
This should be done ASAP to help Organisers prepare or the event. The event page on the website also includes important Local Information relating to directions, contacts and accomodation.
2026 GP14 World Championships
- Sri Lanka -
Alternative Venue being Cosidered
(as of February 2024)
Following a review by GP14 Internationsl Committee in early February, a decision has been made to look to relocate the 2026 World Championship to an alternative venue. It is with much regret that the Committee have had to consider this course of action.
The Sri Lanka Championship Committee have been notified and the GP14 International President, Charles Saunders has issued an update in the last few days outlining the concerns and challenges that led to this decision.
The Worlds Champioinship Committee are now actively looking to identify a suitable alternative venue. This is a challenge as many suitable locations will already have their events calendar for 2026 locked down. However the Committee are confident that an alternative location will be identified soon and more details will be available at a later time.
Gold Fleet - Keith Louden / Matteo Louden
Silver Fleet - Sam Street / Josh Lloyd
+ promoted to Gold
Bronze Fleet - Max Cully / Tighe Wardell
+ promoted to Silver
See full League positions for Gold, Silver and Bronze below.
Celebrate Curlys 80th Birthday
January 6th
Skerries Sailing Club
Who remember this great day in 2018...
Folks as with previous significant birthday milestones, Curly Morris plans to celebrate his 80th on January 6th by going sailing at Skerries Sailing Club and having a nice day with people who have been and continue to be part of his sailing life.
Weather permitting, the plan is to sail 3 or 4 quick and informal races starting at 1pm, with the aim to be off the water by 3:30. This time the dinner will be held in Skerries Sailing Club. For those who have been at previous celebrations it promises to be a great day and evening with plenty of stories and reminiscences from 60 years of sailing GP14s and other boats.
The meal will be a three course sit-down event, cost is €50 and advance booking will be necessary. If you’re interested contact Curly by the 1st Jan. It would also be helpful to know if anybody plans to sail even if not staying for dinner to help Skerries plan for race management and rescue. Look forward to seeing you on Jan 6th.
Curlys email is curlymorris_cliff@yahoo.com
2023 GP14 Hot Toddy
Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club
Date: Sep 30/Oct 1
Ross Kearney & Daniel Nelson take the final event of the season the Hot Toddy, at Royal North of Ireland last weekend with a clean sweep of 6 races. While the winner was never in doubt, 3 boats tied for 2nd with Jane Kearney & Ollie Goodhead taking 2nd on countback from Ruan O'Tiarnaigh & Mel Morris 3rd with Conor Twohig & Matthew Cotter missing the podium.
Full Afloat Report HERE
Final Results Below
Now Available Below
Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club
Online Registration & Entry Available
Click HERE for ONLINE Registration & Payment
This should be done ASAP to help Organisers prepare or the event. The event page on the website also includes important Local Information relating to directions, contacts and accomodation.
2023 Championship of Ireland
Sutton Dinghy Club
Date: 1 / 3 September 2023.
Report by : Ross Kearney
Notice of Race
Now Available Below
Sutton Dinghy Club
Online Registration & Entry Available
Click HERE for Championship of Ireland ONLINE Entry & Payment
This should be done ASAP to help Organisers prepare or the event. The event page on the Club website will include important Local Information relating to directions, contacts, food and accomodation.
2023 Summer Open & Youth Championships
Rush Sailing Club
Date: 19 / 20 August 2023.
Report by : Sam Street
The weekend started off with the first day of racing being cancelled due to the leftovers of storm Betty. With 4 races lost across the 2 events, Sunday would see a 2 race series for both the Youth Championship and the Summer Open. For all the Blessington sailors who travelled this was an unfortunate turn of events, but we were looking forward to another windy day on Sunday and a chance to make a mark in both events.
In the first race of the Youths there were three Blessington boats in the top 4 with last years runner-up Sam Street & Josh Lloyd taking the gun. Two time Youth champion Colman Grimes crewing for
local Riaghan Boardman finished 2nd with the two young Cully’s Max (& Tighe Wardell) and Denis (& Ollie Lloyd) hot on his heels.
In the second race Max Cully & Tighe Wardell led around the windward mark followed by Jessica Greer & Sam Wray. They held on to their positions until the last reach where Jessica got
overtaken to windward, wind left the sails and they capsized on top of themselves. Sam Street and Josh Lloyd finished close behind Max Cully & Tighe Wardell to take the Youth title with Max &
Tighe taking the U19 Championship. Local youth Riaghan Boardman took 3rd and the U16 Championship.
These races were followed by the Summer Open in which strong tides and more boats made for a few messy starts at the Committee boat. In both races Alan Blay & Hugh McNally took two race wins only
to get two OCSs. This left Niall Henry & Ossian Geraghty to take the Summer Open with Ger Owens & Mel Morris in
2nd.
In the Bronze fleet, Riaghan Boardman & Colman Grimes were denied first place by Max and Tighe, back for more glory, after a strong performance in the Youths,
finished fourth overall on the Summer Open.
A big thank you to Rush Sailing Club and everyone involved, who managed to run a great event. Looking forward to seeing all the Youths continue to give the rest of the fleet a run for their money at
the Nationals in Sutton in September (Sep 1/3).
2023 Youth Championship & Summer Open
Rush Sailing Club
August 19/20
Notice of Race
Now Available Below
Rush Sailing Club
Online Registration & Entry Available
Click HERE for Summer Open ONLINE Registration & Payment or Scan below
or
Click HERE for Youth Champonship ONLINE Registration & Payment or Scan below
This should be done ASAP to help Organisers prepare or the event. The event page on the website also includes important Local Information relating to directions, contacts and accomodation.
Gus Henry (RIP)
12/07/23
Andy Johnston
It was with great sadness the news of Gus Henry's passing filtered through early last Saturday morning. The GP14 fleet, recovering from a Friday battering at a very windy Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta were readying themselves for Day 2 of the Leinster Championship an event graced by GP14 Legend Gus for many many years including victory back in 1971 at Kilbarrack in Willi Hazard.
Gus arrived on the GP14 scene in the mid 60s when it was still the Northern Ireland Branch of the GP14 Association. He was fleet captain for an emerging Sligo fleet in 1967 that was expected to reach 13 boats in the following seasons. At this stage Gus was a keen racer and also building GP14s. In 1968 Gus requested Sligo be considered for the 1971 Purcell Trophy and was present at the July 1970 meeting where the NI Branch became the GP14 Ireland Class Assocaition and at the subsequent AGM was elected representative of Area C and a member of that first Committee.
As well as contributing to the Class through Committee, Gus continued to race and build succesful boats. Some of those self built boats including Willians and Willi Waw were well to the fore in the fleet. Pat Murphy, former Chairman of the Class and a multiple times National Champion well remembers the transom of Willi Hazard and Willwaw with Gus regularly leading him home. Gus was Chairman of the GP14 Ireland Class Association between 1972 and 1974 and was a member of the IYA Council in the late 70's.
While Gus never won the Championship of Ireland he had a no. of top 10 finishes notably finishing 3rd in a fleet of 60+ boats at the 1983 Championship of Ireland in Galway behind Curly Morris and Pat Murphy. A 10th in 1983 and a 7th 1985 demonstrated his capability.
His interest was starting to move towards race management both locally and nationally and of course he continued to build boats for his son Niall who had emerged into the GP14 scene along with a host of other young Sligo sailors that also included Tim Corcoran.
Gus became one of Ireland premier race officers, regularly handling national championships across various classes. Within the GP14 scene he was PRO for the GP14 World Championships held in Sligo in 2006.
Sligo had emerged as a great developer of Youth sailors, particularly in the Mirror Class and when the Mirror World Championships (1987) and Mirror Europeans (2010) came to the Club, Gus Henry had a big role in ensuring these events were a success on the water.
Outside of GP14s, Gus was widely respected and played a significant role in ensuring the Enterprise World Championships (1979), Scorpion World Championships (1977 & 1980), Fireball Worlds (2011) and the ISA Dinghy Weeks in 1978 and 1983 in Sligo were the success they were. Gus was the recipient of the prestigious ISA Volunteer of the Year Award in 2004 and in 2007 was inducted into the Sligo Sporting Hall of fame.
On behalf of the GP14 Ireland fleet and Committee, I would like to extend our condolences to Niall, Conal and Aoife and the extended Henry family.
Gus Henry RIP
Ar dheis Dé go Raibh a Anam
2023 Leinster Championship
Volvo Dun Laoghiare Regatta
Date: 7/9 July 2023.
Report by : Conor Twohig
Despite ominous weather predictions, the class managed to muster 24 brave GP14 sailors to the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta (Leinster Championship) this past weekend. These predictions were not without substance, the fleet was buffeted with 20+ knot winds while sailing off the coast Salthill.
Our first race saw the fleet racing on a trapezoid course for a change. Winds were well and truly on the limit of racing and small errors saw boats up and down the fleet heading for swims. Sam
Wray and Luke Henderson took the gun in this race after a strong performance in challenging conditions.
The PRO decided to switch to the simpler (but no less interesting) windward leeward format for the remainder of the day, probably on account of the shifting winds. Alan Blay and Hugh
McNally stretched their legs race two to take home a bullet. Despite the strong winds, Dublin bay would bring its signature dose of jeopardy to the last race of the day. Winds dropped to
only a few knots at times and jib backing shifts bounced boats up the second beat. Ger Owens and Melanie Morris expertly navigated the tricky conditions and put their first win on the
board.
Day two was variable in both wind strength and direction. The more manageable wind and oscillating breeze created superb racing conditions with plenty to be gained and lost on each leg. Sam
Street and Josh Llyod came good in race four to take yet another championship race win, a new
habit of theirs it seems.
The start line was being tested all weekend by the fleet. The race committee won’t expect a Christmas card from the Lee’s this year, with both father and son
being shown the U-flag among others at the start of race five. Ger Owens and Melanie Morris showed their experience
again and picked up another race win. Persisting shifts were the name of the game in race six. Sam Wray and Luke Henderson led the fleet to the finish line securing their second win of
the competition. Day three wrapped up with three boats of Ger & Mel, Alan & Hugh, and Conor & Matthew sharing 14 points apiece after one discard.
Our third and final day began in lashing rain with breeze building to a forecasted peak around midday. Eager to get racing underway for the day, the PRO started the fireballs at 10:55
with military like timekeeping. The earlier start caught some boats off guard, not least of which the two Sutton boats of Alan & Hugh and Conor & Matthew. These two championship
contenders became overzealous in their morning speed testing, leading to a wild dash to the line and two hook starts at the committee boat. A suitably dramatic start to the days racing!
The top three boats sailed out of their skin in the first race of the day. Ger & Mel took the gun hotly pursued by Alan & Hugh in second with
Conor & Matthew taking third, leaving everything to play for in the final race. Race six saw Alan and Ger fighting for the championship until the very end. Ger & Mel managed to come off
best in the end with a third place to Alan & Hugh’s fourth. Conor & Matthew struggled to make their way
through a strong pack and had to make use of their second discard in the end. Rob Lee and Stephen Lynch finished the event on a high by securing a win in the final race. A compromised
committee boat start saw them tacking off early, but a steady right hand shift and some great boatspeed gave them chance at glory which they took in earnest and secured the win.
Overall, three great days sailing completing a full schedule of eight races. Five different boats took race wins, with many more getting on the podium. A sure sign of a healthy fleet with tight racing. Congratulations to Sam Wray & Luke Henderson for 1 st silver fleet, Max Cully & Tadgh Wardell for 1 st Bronze.
Special mentions to Meg Tyrrell and Cormac Murphy for braving the blustery
conditions not once but twice on Friday when they went back out to assist in the recovery of Lara & Jennifer’s boat. A mention also to Richard Street for his slick and speedy repair of the damage
to their boat, allowing them to get out and put in a strong performance on Sunday.
Full Results - HERE
Photo Credits - Michael Chester & Afloat and Andy Johnston
2023 Munster Championship
Tralee Bay Sailing Club
Date: 17/18 June 2023.
Report by : Gareth Gallagher & Adrian Lee
The weekend of the 17th /18th June saw the GP14 fleet make the trip to the southwest corner of Ireland to Tralee BaySailing Club in Fenit for the 2023 GP14 Munster Championships. This was first time the fleet has been to Fenit in over 40 years.
26 teams took part in the championship and on arrival, were greeted with the impressive back drop of the Kerry Mountains & the Golden Sandy Beaches of Tralee Bay, a spectacular location to
host a championship.
Day 1 of the event arrived with plenty of sunshine & blue skies with the wind funnelling through the valleys of the far shore, although a forecast which could only be described as
variable.
PRO John Leech got race 1 away in 7-8 knots of breeze & a flooding tide. A pin end biased start line saw many of the front runners battle it out for an
early advantage. Ger Owens & Mel Morris rounded the weather mark first, followed closely by Sean Craig & Stephen Boyle along with JP & Carolyn McCaldin in hot pursuit. Ger &
Mel held their lead throughout the race and took out race 1, Sean & Stephen 2nd followed by Colman Grimes & Ross Gingles in 3rd
.
PRO John Leech intended to run the races off in quick succession, although this plan was quickly halted by the arrival of the thunder & lighting rolling over the hills above. The fleet
was sent in the direction of shore immediately & with a yellow weather warning issued for Co.Kerry, racing was then cancelled for the day. With the fleet now safely onshore, it was time
for everyone to enjoy some music & food laid on by Tralee Bay Sailing
Club.
Day 2 arrived with ominous looking skies & further yellow weather warnings for the area. Nevertheless, racing proceeded with caution & a race course was positioned on the South Side of
the Great Samphire Island. Racing
began shortly after 10am with a revised race course which included a (sausage, triangle, sausage) which helped add to the complexity of the day.
After several attempts due to a shifting breeze, race 2 got underway in an outgoing tide with differences in wind pressure scattered across the race course. Norman Lee & Stephen Lynch took
the win, Sean Craig & Stephen Boyle 2nd with Ross Kearney & Daniel Nelson in 3rd
.
Sean & Stephen took the bullet in race 3 followed by Ross & Daniel with Ger & Mel in 3rd. Race 4 began with a softening breeze which quickly turned into a drifter shortly after the start. The race was shortened to one lap in the end & went to the ever consistent Sean & Stephen with JP & Carolyn McCaldin sliding into 2nd with Ross & Daniel taking 3rd Place.
The silver fleet was won by Sam Wray & Luke Henderson of Sligo Yacht Club. The bronze fleet was won by Charlie Keating & Ollie Lloyd of Blessington Sailing Club. The youth fleet was won by the fast-improving Sam Street & Josh Lloyd.
Congratulations to the 2023 GP14 Munster Champions Sean Craig & Stephen Boyle who navigated the tricky race course superbly & posted a consistent score card of 2,2,1,1.
A special thanks from the GP14 Class Association of Ireland to Tralee Bay Sailing Club, especially to chief organiser Cormac Murphy & PRO John Leech but also to all the volunteers who gave
up their time in preparation and during the event.
The next event on the GP14 Calendar is the Leinster Championships which is incorporated into the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta, which takes place on 7th / 9th July 2017. The GP14 Class Association
are looking forward to
seeing you all there.
Notice of Race
Now Available Below
Tralee Bay Sailing Club
Online Registration & Entry Available
Click HERE for ONLINE Registration & Payment. This should be done ASAP to help Organisers prepare or the event. The event page on the website also includes important Local Information relating to directions, contacts and accomodation.
Notice of Race
Now Available Below
East Antrim Boat Club
Online Registration & Entry Available
Click HERE for ONLINE Registration & Payment. This should be done by Thursday 18th but MUST be completed prior to the event on Sat 20th.
East Antrim BOat Club have also provided a 'Welcome & Information' page below which includes details on accomodation, direction etc.
2023 O’Tiarnaigh Challenge
Blessington Sailing Club
Date: 22/23 April 2023.
Report by : Joseph Devitt
Challenging Times
The O’Tiarnaigh GP14 Challenge event was conceived almost 25 years ago with two goals. An open meeting with many short races rather than the normal 2 per day, and secondly to have many smaller flights containing a mix of Gold, Silver and Bronze sailors so that the less experienced sailors have many opportunities to be in the front row of the start line so as to have more opportunity to learn and improve their skills in a testing and highly competitive framework. Imagine motorcycle speedway without the engines, wheels or mud. The event has been staged every year since, save for covid, and draws sailors from all over Ireland.
This years running was particularly challenging, with an almost complete lack of wind and continual downpour on Saturday forcing the RO to cancel racing which meant that the whole event was to be run a single day. The forecast for Sunday was for light breezes but thankfully the rain had abated. Despite the poor forecast 28 teams were in attendance, a credit to the enthusiasm of the fleet and the marketing by the organising committee.
Choosing to run the event with a single flight due to time constraints and aiming to have as many races as possible the RO sent the fleet out on the waters of the Poulaphouca reservoir nestling in the western side of the Wicklow Mountains. With the requirement from the NOR that the first discard only coming to rescue a poor finishing position after 6 races were completed still in force and with the conditions that prevailed it very much looked like this would be a ‘no discard’ event.
Shifty and patchy were the dominating features of the wind making line and course setting tricky but after a short postponement the fleet got underway on a triangle/sausage course.
The first start looked quite pin biased, but slightly more pressure at the committee boat saw those boats establish a lead off the line. There was an element of ‘Russian Roulette’, albeit without the blood, about picking a side of the course and whereas the left looked more favorable at the early part of the leg a building breeze on the right was most influential on the fleet resulting in Rob Lee & Stephen Lynch from Greystones SC first to the weather mark closely followed by Alan Blay & Hugh McNally from Sutton Dinghy Club and Sutton ex-pat, Ruan O’Tiarnaigh with daughter Natasha who was sailing her first event with dad following her sisters move to crew for the very talented Jane Kearney formerly from the midlands area of UK, now based at Royal North. Close behind them were the veteran teams of Niall Henry & Oissin Geraghty from Sligo SC and brothers John & Donal McGuinness from Moville. In the light conditions, Ruan & Tasha established an inside overlap approaching the gybe mark to gain the lead and although the rest of the race was shifty, there was not much change in the leading group and the first race finished, Ruan & Tasha first, Alan & Hugh second, Rob & Stephen third, Nial & Oisin fourth and John & Donal fifth.
The silver fleet was led by Sam Street & Josh Lloyd, Blessington SC, Simon Cully & Libby Tierney also Blessington, and Cathal Sheridan & David Cooke, Skerries third.
Bronze fleet, Michael Collender & Brian Walker, Mullingar S.C, Denis Cully & Ollie Lloyd, Blessington and Max Cully & Tighe Wardell, Blessington third.
The second race saw former Olympian Curly Morris & Meg Tyrell (EABC/NSC) establish a commanding lead, coming from the left hand side of the course up the first beat, followed closely by Jane Kearney & Bekka O’Tiarnaigh from Royal North of Ireland YC. Ruan & Tasha, Keith & son Matteo Louden, Lough Foyle YC slightly ahead of Niall & Oisin. In the very light airs mistakes were aplenty and a poor gybe on the O’Tiarnaigh boat saw both Keith & Matteo and Nial & Oisin gain an advantage sailing higher and past. The second beat was dynamic with places gained and lost. Jane & Bekka were unfortunate to fall foul of a port and starboard and did turns. The run provided opportunity for another former Olympian and current Irish Champion of Champions team of Ger Owens & Mel Morris (daughter of the aforementioned Curly) to get back into the running making most use of the light airs. After a spirited battle on the final beat which saw a minor skirmish and tacking frenzy between Ger & Mel, Niall & Oisin and Ruan & Tasha which although frenetic was ultimately inconsequential as no places changed, the outcome was Curly and Meg chalking up a first, Keith and Matteo second, Ger and Mel third, Niall & Oisin, fourth Ruan & Tasha fifth.
Silver, and once again Sam & Josh first, Cathal & David second and Simon & Libby third
Bronze, Max and Tighe, Frankie Brown & David Lappin Skerries Sailing Club, Michael & Brian third.
Race three was once again tricky with variable breeze on the beat, but dying towards the gybe mark. The lead boats which included Ger and Mel, Ross Kearney & Daniel Nelson, RNIYC, Daniel having joined Ross after Andrew Vaughan’s departure after the worlds last year, Paddy O’Connor & Adiran Lee (Sligo/Youghal). However the weather gods were playing dice and some ‘ultra light’ expertise from JP & Carolyn McCaldin, Lough Erne YC. & Sutton’s Katie Dwyer & Michelle Rowley saw them sneak over the top of a group of boats to get in to the front of the fleet for the finish at the leward mark. With Ger & Mel first, JP & Carolyn second, Ross and Daniel third, Katie and Michelle fourth and Paddy & Adrian fifth.
Silver, Simon & Libby, Sam & Josh, Cathal & David.
Bronze, Denis & Ollie, Max & Tighe and Jennifer Bryce & Cormac Murphy, Newtownards Sailing Club third.
At this stage, and with no discard in sight the scores were: Ger & Mel, 7, 3, 1 Tot: 11, Ruan & Tasha, 1, 5, 6 Tot: 12, Ross and Daniel, 6, 8, 3 Tot 17 Niall and Oisin 4, 4, 12 Tot: 20. One mistake could prove very costly indeed.
In what turned out to be the last race of the day the weather once again proved to play its own role. Once again the leaders came from the left hand side with age and experience showing its class seeing Curly & Meg first to round followed by Coleman Grimes & Ross Gingles, Skerries SC and Ross & Daniel in close quarters, the following group included event contenders Niall & Oisin, Ger & Mel and Ruan & Tash. The second offwind leg was to prove key to the race and the event with the RO shortening the course at the leward mark. Ross & Daniel went high, Curly & Meg low but it was the middle lane which proved successful for Coleman & Ross who pipped Curly for the race win. The event overall was still in contention and half way down the reach it looked like Ruan & Tasha might pull the event out of the bag when they rolled Ger & Mel to leave them equal on points. Another place was needed between them as Ger & Mel had better count back, but it was not to be. The fickle zephyrs of Blessington quashed their hopes when light airs filled in from both above and below. Ger & Mel, though forced to go low, came out smelling of roses with a dart across the line in third, Keith & Matteo 4th, Ross & Daniel 5th, Ruan & Tasha dropping to 8th and Niall & Oisin hopes dashed entirely with a 15th.
Silver, Sam & Josh, Simon & Libby and Cathal & David third.
Bronze, Michael & Brian, Jennifer & Cormac and Denis & Ollie third
The fleet repaired to the shore where well earned and much appreciated hot pizza awaited. When the scores were counted, Ger & Mel were clear winners on 14pts, Ruan & Tasha second on 20pts, Ross & Daniel third on 22 pts and Curly & Meg 4th on 29pts.
Thanks were given to Blessington Sailing club and its members for such a warm welcome and to Commodore Richard Street RO, Joe Crilly DRO, Tom Duggan ARO and Alannah Maguire keeping them all in check on the comedy vessel which it was noted with some poignancy was named in memory of a former and much loved Blessington GP14 sailor Peter Hannon.
Looking ahead, the GP14 season is chock full with events across the country. Next is the Ulsters in Larne, followed by trips to Tralee Bay, The Volvo at Dunlaoghaire, Rush Sailing Club, Sutton for the Championship of Ireland and finally the Hot Toddy at Royal North.
If this event was anything to go by the GP14 fleet in Ireland is in rude health. Boats travelled from all parts of the country including Dathi & Arann Murphy from Tralee Bay and teams from Moville, EABC, Donaghadee, Youghal, Lough Erne, Lough Foyle, Sligo, Greystones, Sutton, Royal North, Newtownards and Ballyholme. Also noted are the number of youth teams particularly from Blessington as well as the many new young crews ensuring the future of the class. With the age range of 14 to 79 and a great mix of male and female teams the GP14 fleet in Ireland is certainly thriving. The craic is pretty good too. Long may it continue. The last word should go to Anthony Johns and James Lloyd of Blessington who notched up an impressive 100pts but despite that were battling hard to the end. Keep it up lads and remember adversity makes you tougher. See you in a few weeks in Sunny Larne, May 20/21.
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GP14 Munster Championship in Cullaun, Co. Clare
Additional insights from Norman Lee
I have to believe that everyone committed going to the Munsters in Callaun in November was expecting to be blown off the water in fierce gale gusts and sleet after our taster last year not to mention frost bitten fingers, toes & noses. But instead, it turned out be possibly the most civilised weather event of 2022 as promised by the world renowned Cullaun News in the weeks prior.
Having been warmly welcomed by club members on Friday night it was very obvious that huge amounts of work had gone into making room for us, it was also lovely to a flotilla of swans floating asleep with their heads under wings at first light on Saturday with clear blue skies and gentle zephyrs on the lake surface.
That’s how Saturday continued with both crew on the side-decks at times as it was much more about finding the pressure and luffing on the lifts or tacking on the headers than physical powers that ruled the ripples. This made racing very tactical and interesting for all levels as bronze, silver, youths and OAPs mixed it up all around the course throwing up some great moments and results for everyone.
Having remarked about the big starboard biases in Cullaun last year, I was again floored by the big biases in all 4 races on Saturday, this time to port end. However, the puzzle of the beat shifts gave even late starters opportunities to climb back, and no one handled the starts and shifts better than Coleman and John who recorded 4 firsts but eventually lost one to OCS.
Enjoying the shifts, Alan & I managed some good results through huge concentration of shifts and pressure chasing on beats and sail trimming offwind, to be hard chased by Rob & Steven, Steven & Daniel, Conor & Adam, Sam & Josh, Ger & Hugh who all recorded at least a top 4. Youth and bronze were really mixing it with Gold & Old.
All came ashore looking happy and sun burned thinking it didn’t really matter if a hurricane arrived overnight. Good food and craic in a local pub while Ireland beat the World Champions South Africa helped the good feelings.
On Sunday although the sun didn’t appear often, the wind having shifted a bit south which gave us an interesting reach through reed patches, only ever squalled to above force 4 momentarily twice I think. The OD having sussed the settings we got 2 more great shifty races leaving most of us very happy there wasn’t a third race thanks to a big cloud darkening the water and 20+ knots squall hastened the second half of the fleet to the line.
It was a case of pass the batton (or tiller) weekend or perhaps a “move over dad” weekend as Coleman who first appeared on the GP circuit crewing for his dad was greeted by his dad as he came ashore. There were also a lot of threes (3s).
3 firsts for Coleman and John
3 GSC boats in the top 5
3 youth helms in the top 7
3 thirds for Steven and Daniel
3 sons ahead of the dads
3 lady helms
3 lovely sunsets
3 sleeping swans
GP14 Munster Championship in Cullaun, Co. Clare
Report by Alan Leddy & Des McMahon
19 boats of from all over Ireland gathered at Cullaun Co. Clare over the weekend of 5-6th Novemberfor, for the last event of the busy year that was 2022 with the GP14 Munster Championship at
stake. A super turn out of crews from all generations and family combinations from Cullaun, Skerries, Sutton, Tralee, Newtownards, Sligo, Greystones, and Blessington. Unlike last year’s Baltic
weather at similar event in late autumn, the weather this time was very pleasant, warm, and mild, so much so that there were no reported capsizes or troublesome abandonments.
First race start involved a general recall which put manners on everyone and was won by Skerries Coleman Grimes/John Chambers (back to GP14 sailing after a long sabbatical) closely followed by
Greystones Norman Lee and Alan Leddy with Steven and Daniel Nelson from Newtownards grabbing third.
While line honours went to Grimes and Chambers for the second race, there was a reported OCS (although pen-rumours later mentioned experimental use of foils), the second race went to the Lee-Alan
pairing with Conor Galligan (new to GP14 fleet) and Adam Leddy youths snatching 2nd from Rob Lee and Steven Lynch in their new boats.
In very shifty conditions, by sometimes over 40 degrees in gusts, and with an infinite number of tacks needed per windward leg the third race went to the Grimes and Chambers team by a country mile
with second place going to a resurgent Rob Lee and Steven Lynch followed by Steven and Daniel Nelson just pipping the Galligan and Leddy youth boat.
In mild conditions on the Saturday before a forecasted blow out for Sunday, the race officers ran an extra 4th race which again went to the Colman and John team with second bell going to Steven and
Daniel Nelson beating Rob Lee/Steven Lynch into third.
Overnight the Grimes/Chambers boat was ahead of Norman Lee/Alan Leddy on joint 2nd with the Nelson father & son pairing and Rob Lee/Steven Lynch squads. Discussions in the winners’ enclosures
back in Gallaghers bar after dinner focused on potential inappropriate but innovative use of foils. This most certainly had something to do with the return of John Chambers to the fleet!
Fortunately, the impending bad weather held off just long enough for the race officer to run 2 snappy races on Sunday morning with a nice long square line. There was some carnage at the first
windward mark with port tacking approaches by the Grimes/Chambers and Norman Lee/Alan Leddy boats being shut out by the long line of conservative starboard tackers. After a quiet first day
Katie Dwyer/Laura Fitzpatrick then led for the first time before a rounding incident meant turns and the pair dropping back out of contention.
This allowed the Rob Lee/Steven Lynch crew to take the first race by a massive lead ahead of Grimes/Chambers in 2nd with Steven and Daniel Nelson grabbing 3rd just ahead of the emerging
talents of the Sam Street and Josh Lloyd youth combination from Blessington.
The last race of the event in light conditions before a downpour was a tight shoot-out between the Grimes/Chambers boat versus the Norman Lee/Alan Leddy combination all the way to the finish line
with the Greystones seniors just holdoff to snatch the win. A very strong 3rd place was snatched by the leading female boat of Katie Dwyer/Laura Fitzpatrick from Sutton.
There were some great family rivalries throughout the event with family members competing across all fleets. Rob Lee showed his old man how to do it in the gold fleet with Sam Street in the silver
and Denis Cully and Daithi and Aaron Murphy in the bronze, doing the same.
Denis Cully set the Bronze fleet pace with Ossian Geraghty crewing for him by running away with the first place. Max Cully/Tadgh Wardell started the event tied with Des and Pat (Cullaun) and Jennifer
and Lara (Newtownards) for second overall for the season Bronze League but there was no stopping them and they held on to second in the bronze fleet with relative ease and much singing (although
their rendition of never going to give you up may have been a tactical manoeuvre to scare others away from them). This secured them a second place for the season also.
There was some great competition between Galligan/Leddy and Street/Lloyd for silver fleet honours but the boys in their new boat held on (obviously the thought of a coveted special fifth place
overall prize spurred them on).
Special thanks for the tremendous hospitality to all Cullaun members, families and friends for the accommodation, food, chauffeuring, security, rescue and of course our race officers David Vinnell
and Aoife Lyons
Overall, the results from a terrific, competitive, friendly and entertaining event of tight races are:
Gold
1. Colman Grimes & John Chambers (Skerries)
2. Robert Lee & Stephen Lynch (Greystones)
3. Norman Lee & Alan Leddy (Greystones)
Silver
1. Conor Galligan & Adam Leddy (Greystones)
2. Sam Street & Josh Lloyd (Blessington)
3. Simon Cully & Libby Tierney (Blessington)
Bronze
1. Denis Cully & Oisin Geraghty (Blessington)
2. Max Cully & Tadgh Wardell (Blessington)
3. Des McMahon & Pat Biesty (Cullaun)
Leading Youth
1. Conor Galligan & Adam Leddy (Greystones)
Newtownards Sailing Club, Oct 15/16
Reports Ger Owens (Hot Toddy) & Ross Kearney (Youth Championship)
Hot Toddy - Newtonards was the venue for our annual Hot Toddy event. Last years event at East Antrim was barely sailable yet despite the weekends
forecast, 32 boats arrived at Newtownards for the Hot Toddy for what was going to be a hotly contested event. With the Worlds earlier in the year, our event calendar had seen some alterations with
our traditional end of year event the Hot Toddy now coupled with the Youth Championship, so everyone was in good spirits (ehhh hot toddy!!). The format would be 2 Hot Toddy races followed by 2 Youth
races on Saturday with the order switched on Sunday.
When we arrived to rig we were greeted with calmer conditions than the forecast but the apprehension on shore was palpable. I was approached to provde my opinion in relation to the weather and
our prospects for getting racing, I gladly said we shouldn’t race. Sam Lyness our race officer listened intently and decided a prompt start was in order, we launched and very quickly it was apparent
the wind was building.
Race 1 saw Shane motor away relishing the conditions closely contested by Ross. I struggle to recall the exact placings as I mixed up the starting flags and was late for the start by aprox 1 minute
if my timing was correct, I watched from a distance and admired Paddy O Connor taking third beaming from ear to ear only to be out grinned by Simon Cully & Richard Street in fourth. Back in the
chasing pack we had a great ding dong with Hugh Gill who gave no quarter. We were very happy to have climbed back up to 7th. Race 2 was quickly underway, but we were wise to this wiley race officers
tricks and stayed close to the committee to get the gun.
It made little to no difference, we had decided the annual ferocious blow that is the Hot Toddy was getting too much for us, the gun went, and we headed for home. Ironically the race was shortened,
and the leaders were almost home before us, not before Shane and Josh had won their second race and our sparring partner from race 1 Hugh and Dan in second. BY this time the PRO had already decided
that there would be no Youth racing that afternoon. With the wind now gusting to 30kts, the the dwindling fleet was struggling to make it round even the shortest of race courses, but those that
managed to were rewarded with a hot toddy once back on shore. There was a team of volunteers catching boats and helping us land safely which was no mean feet with the heavy winds and big waves. A big
shout out to those Youth who had also raced in the senior Hot Toddy races. For many it was conditions they certainly hadnt encountered and most wore grins from ear to ear.
Dinner was at the Club that evening and with a better weather forecast for the following day, the days racing didnt seem so tough especially with a glass of the Hot Toddy.
Sunday morning dawned and we were to head to Newtonards right after Eva’s (Mels 5yr old daughter) 50th park run. Once in Newtonards we stayed on shore chatting amongst ourselves. Slowly we made our
way out for the start of race 3 not before seeing Bobby Driscol and Sam Street in a tacking duel up the last beat of the youths. A big cheer went up before the finish line when expert crew Ross
Kearney took a tumble out of the boat in a particularly aggressive roll tack. Bobby recovered and managed to clinch the victory.
Basking in the fact that several of the fleet had sailed 2 races while I slept gave me a warm feeling for the days racing. The full tank and the lighter conditions was a tremendous relief and we
managed to get near the front, Shane had to do a spin at the weather mark which would have slowed anyone else. Peter and Stephen we holding on to a tight lead with ourselves and Ross in hot
pursuit!!! (Hot Toddy!!!). Peter stretched his lead and his leverage on the fleet which opened a very small window for yours truly to close the gap, Peter managed for a long while two close boats and
the rest of the fleet around what was to be a large racecourse. Peter found himself isolated on the right of the racecourse which gave 2 and 3 the opportunity to slip through. A brilliant tight race
that saw Shane climb back to fifth.
Ross and Shane were neck and neck with 7 points each heading into the final race. Boats that could extricate themselves successfully from the strong pin end bias found themselves front runners at the
weather mark. Keith was the standout performance and was revelling in the dying breeze. Shane secured the title of Hot Toddy champion with a second place.
Newtonards were amazing hosts putting on an amazing spread and a fantastic team of wonderful volunteers. Event organiser Lara Sunday kept the energy up through out the week in the lead up to the
event and over the weekend.
Youth Championship - The GP14 youths looked set to be a great event, running alongside the Hot Toddy which still attracted an excellent turnout for the time of year.
The weather forecast potentially put a few off with Saturday looking like a blow out. 16 youths turned up to challenge for the title of Youth champion, great to see many new faces trying out the GP for the first time. Unfortunately the wether experts were right and PRO Sam Lyness made the decision to cancel the Saturday racing for the youth sailors, a sensible decision as the wind got up to 30kts at the end of the 2nd race and 35kts when coming ashore.
Sunday morning dawned, 10kts and a flat sea was a very welcome sight for all of the sailors. The Youths Championships, now reduced to a 2 race event set off in lovely conditions. First out of the
blocks were GP14 youth stalwarts Peter Boyle sailing with dad Stephen. Mark Greer & Adrian Lee, Jessica Greer & John Greer, David (U16) & Jon Evans all hot on their heels around the
windward mark. At the first gybe mark, the top boats were all bunched together leaving a gap for the chasing pack to sneak into.
Bobby Driscoll & Ross Kearney managed to get inside and sail into 2nd place after chasing down Mark & Adrian. After plenty of place changing, and many close battles throughout, Mark&
Adrian took the win followed by Bobby & Ross, Sam Street & Josh Lloyd recovering well for 3rd, Peter& Stephen 4th and Jessica & John in 5th.
Race 2 got away shortly after, the wind starting to drop to 6-7kts. The fleet were battling for every inch, with excellent boat handling on show. Bobby & Ross led the fleet followed closely by Sam & Josh. Following very tight cover tacks, and a nail biting finish, Bobby & Ross managed to just pip the ever impressive Sam & Josh to the Dobson, despite Ross deciding to roll backwards following a final roll tack for the finish line. (Those helms really do need to practise the art of crewing). In 3rd place was Ollie Lloyd sailing with Dan Gill, with the Boyles in 4th and Jessica and John Greer in 5th.
This gave the Youth title to a very impressive Bobby Driscoll from RNIYC, a runner up at the recent Topper worlds in Garda. Bobby not only winning the overall trophy but doing so at 16 years of age. Sam Street and Josh Lloyd were a close 2nd, followed by the Peter Boyle in 3rd.
2nd in the U19 was Jessica Greer with David Evans the U16 runner up who by the way also helmed the 4 Hot Toddy races and won the Bronze fleet. With switch over to the seniors for the final Hot Toddy races, it was great to see so many of the youths taking a turn at the back of the boat to gain excellent experience for future years sailing in the larger fleet.
Notice of Race
Now Available Below
Newtownards Sailing Club
Online Registration & Entry Available HERE
Entries are ONLINE with a link ABOVE TO THE Newtownards Sailing Club website. There will be some camping and motorhome parking available for the Friday and Saturday nights on request. There is a meal available on the Saturday night, cost £10 a head and the bar will be open.
Sutton Dinghy Club, Oct 8th
Report Andy Johnston
The 2022 Champions Cup took place at Sutton Dinghy Club at the weekend. The 75th anniversary of Irish Sailings most prestigious and longest running events. Much has been written and spoken of what was formerly the Helmsmans Championship in the last few weeks but for the GP14 Class in Ireland it was an honor to be asked to run the event in our boats in conjunction with Sutton Dinghy Club. The Club itself has a strong connection to the event and with a strong GP14 fleet the pressure was on to ensure a great event. The GP14 representative was our National Champion Shane MacCarthy with Ger Owens also selected as the holder of the event. With a superb season of top finishes in both the GP14 Worlds and the GP14 National Championship, Jane Kearney received a Female wildcard entry.
Former Class President Stephen Boyle organized a very strong fleet of 10 borrowed GP14’s and with help and support of Andy Davis in HD Sails the fleet were all dressed in brand new Genoas for the event. With 16 helms selected, 2 flights of 8 were prepared with 2 spare boats available in the event of gear failure of damage. The boats were gathered in Sutton the week prior to the event and duly rigged, checked and fitted out with new sails ready for practice on Friday. However the wind gods looked to intervene and with winds gusting up to 27kts all day practice was canceled. The broader forecast also started to cast doubt on ability to run the event over the 2 scheduled days. While Saturday was set fair for a south south west 12 to 15 kts, Sunday looked decidedly dodgy with all the forecasts showing 20kts gusting upto 30kts right through to early afternoon.
With tide a key consideration in Sutton, the PRO for the event Michael Conway and his team of Jim Lambkin, Stephen Boyle and Emmet Dalton gathered on Friday afternoon with a view to figuring out how to ensure an event could be garnered from possibly a single days racing. By early Friday evening and after liaising with Met Eireann the call was made to focus on completing the event on Saturday. Despite ditching the repechage element, the race management team still set themselves the goal of getting up to 10 races completed. This would include slick launch and recovery as well as quick turnaround of races and boat exchanges between flights. No easy feat considering the tidal window. But with support from Jim Lambkin, Scorie Walls and Gordan Kelly Michael was confident of getting the event concluded.
Saturday dawned, and following an early registration and briefing, the boat draw for Flight 1 & Flight 2 were made. Flight 1 included former GP14 World Champion Shane MacCarthy, Barry McCartin (Fireballs), former Champion Michael O’Connor (SB20), Darragh Sheridan (RS Aero), former Champion and Olympian Peter Kennedy (Flying Fifteen), Olympic campaigner Aoife Hopkins (ILCA6), Jocelyn Hill (RS200) and Rob Espey (RS400). Flight 2 comprised of holder and 3 time Olympic Campaigner Ger Owens, Cameron Good (Dragons), Jane Kearney (GP14), David Dickson (Shannon One Design), John O’Driscoll (Water Wag), Ian Travers (Squibs), Tadgh O’Loinsigh (J24) and Niamh Henry (Team Racing). Flight 1 certainly looked tough draw considering the presence of former Champions, Olympians and World Championship podium placers.
The 3 races were completed in Flight 1 with very close and tight racing with no obvious boat bias. With an average race times of 30min, the PRO team were confident of getting through the schedule which would hopefully see 4 races in the final. An OCS was not the start that Shane MacCarthy was looking for in Race 1 but he recovered with a 1st and 2nd to give himself a chance to make the final. With no discard his progression would be down to results throughout the Flight. Darragh Sheridan with Dan Gill crewing posted 3 consistent results to lead the flight after 3 races. However a couple of incidents that saw on the water penalties applied saw Barry McCartin and Rob Espey seal the top 3 spots with Shane MacCarthy taking 4th just squeezing out Peter Kennedy.
Flight 2 again saw tight starts and close and even racing through the fleet. The wind had started to drop a little and Ger Owens began to show his boat handling and experience and took 3 bullets to take him easily through to the final. Behind him the battle for the final 3 final slots was fierce with Niamh Henry using her boat handling and team racing skills to work her way into 2nd. A battling 2nd place in the final race was enough to ensure Jane Kearney made it to the final with John O’Driscoll completing the finalists.
With on the water boat allocation and switching complete, the PRO attempted to get the final underway. However some adjustments on a couple of rigs saw a short delay with the first of 4 races finally getting underway shortly before 3pm.
And what a final we were treated to. 4 clean and tight starts saw most of the finalists in the top 3 at some stage over the first 2 legs of each race with rarely more than a couple of boat lengths between 1st and 8th. Shane MacCarthy took the first 2 races legs after close battles with Ger Owens but thereafter the face of the final started to change. While Shane MacCarthy, Barry McCartin and Ger Owens had all shown incredible speed upwind, both Jane Kearney and Rob Espey started to finds the gears downwind and exert an influence on where thew title would go. In Race 3 Ger and Shane battled it out up front till the last downwind leg where both Jane Kearney and Barry McCartin managed to squeeze between Ger and Shane, leaving a one point differnec between the pair.
The 4th race saw another close and tight start with Barry McCartin and Shane MacCarthy looking good up the first beat. On the downwind Rob Espey picked up the stronger breeze first and worked his way into the lead. With Jane Kearney and Barry McCartin now also find great speed and looking to try and secure a podium, Shane looked to be covering Ger when a port starboard incident resulted in penalty turns. This now left Ger in the driving seat and he successfully secured the title with a 4th place finish. Up ahead Rob Espey continued to lead the race with Jane Kearney battling Barry McCartin for the result they both felt would get them on the podium. Jane Kearney managed to squeeze past Barry McCartin around the last leeward mark and clock up a second 2nd place finish. However 2nd place overall was still not decided. The incident pushed Shane MacCarthy to the back of the fleet and his chance of the title had disappeared. However he was not finished and quickly recovered a spot. If he could recover one more spot he would still have a chance to take 2nd overall. Despite a late surge he could not get past Darragh Sheridan which meant Jane Jearney had taken 2nd overall by a point from Shane MacCarthy in 3rd. Barry McCartin after a superb event was a further point back in 4th.
With the time now almost 5pm and tide well out now, walking and pulling the GP14s up the Creek and across the sand bar was the order of the day. Not before Ger & Mel were cheered and photographed on the water by David Brannigan in the Oceansport Press Boat off the Martello Tower at the entrance to Sutton Creek. A great days sailing had ended late but the PRO team had managed to complete the full schedule. The tired fleet retired to Sutton Dinghy Club for a quick change and more photographs before dinner and prize-giving in the Marine Hotel.
Marking the occasion of the 75th anniversary, Irish Sailings CEO Harry Herman recounted the beginnings of this iconic event and welcomed a number of past Champions including David Gay (1975), Robert Dix (1970), Chris Arrowsmith (1979), Anthony O’Leary ( 2014 & 2015), Gerry Sargent (1962), Tom Fitzpatrick (1994, 1997, 1998 & 2004), Alex Barry (2016), Laura Dillon (1996) and Mark Mansfielfd (1990 & 1999).
Commodore Ciara O’Tiarnaigh on behalf of Sutton Dinghy Club thanked Irish Sailing for the opportunity to host the event for which the Club had a long and successful association. Ciara also welcomed the past Champions and thanked all the Club volunteers who helped make the event such a huge success.
Irish Sailings Harry Herman went on to praise the GP14 Class and particularly the owners of the boats used. He thanked them for their support and commitment to the event. He commented on the quality of boats made available and recognizing that lending boats was difficult, asked other fleets to consider making the effort to ensure continuation of this wonderful and unique event.
Ger Owens with Mel Morris accepted the silver salvers from Harry Herman. Despite having won the event a number of times, it was clear this was a special occasion for Ger. Winning the event with Mel, his regular crew for over 20 years, in a GP14 and on the 75th anniversary. It couldn't get any better, could it? He vowed to be back to defend his title and attempt to go for 3 in a row which has previously only been accomplished by Nin O’Leary. Another victory would also see him join Tom Fitzpatrick as only the 2nd sailor to win it 4 times. That says to me Ger Owens will be back with real intent.
The GP14 Ireland fleet moves next week to Newtownards Sailing Club for the Hot Toddy & Youth Championship. The word is that Ger, Shane and Jane will all be present. We expect a good fleet in this the penultimate event of what has been an tremendous season for the GP14 fleet in Ireland. Our final event sees us move to Cullaun in November in what is fast becoming one of the stand-out favorites of the fleet.
Mullingar Sailing Club, Sep 17/18
Report Andy Johnston
With the GP14 World Championships less than a month behind us, many of the Irish sailors would be forgiven for taking their foot off the gas. But with the arrival of autumn, the GP14 Ireland fleet moved to Mullingar Sailing Club and Lough Owel last weekend for their Leinster Championships. And while not en-masse, a turnout of 35 boats is not to sneezed at. The event did see plenty of changed crew line ups with also the return of some past regulars. Great to see at this end of the season.
Last year's winners Ger Owens & Mel Morris were here having missed a couple of events this season but surely wouldn't have it all their own way with a stellar fleet that included 3 Olympians and the top Irish helms from the recent GP14 and Fireball World Championships.
Curly Morris and Ger Owens were joined on the start line by 2021 Olympian Rob Dickson. Its was a bit of a bus-mans holiday away from the busy 49er circuit for Rob who was catching up with his buddies and GP14 regulars Conor Twohig & Matthew Cotter. The GP14 is not wholly unfamiliar, as Rob has done a number of GP14 events in the last couple of years.
With next months Irish Sailing Champions Cup in Sutton Dinghy Club being sailed in GP14, 2 of the GP14 Classes representatives were hoping to get much needed time on the water. Ger Owens and Jane Kearney will be joined next month by Shane MacCarthy in what is the 75th Anniversary of the event.
Colman Grimes who finished 5th at the recent GP14 Worlds in Skerries is joined by another star Worlds performer in Barry McCartin & Conor Kinsella who finished on the podium at the Lough Derg Fireball Worlds last month. Barry is a nominee for the Champions Cup so having never sailed a GP14, the Mullingar event is a chance to get some time on the water.
The forecast was for very light conditions and particularly on the Saturday so PRO Jim Lambkin had the fleet on the water promptly with expectations that the best chance for racing was early in the day and getting 35 boats to the race course was in itself a challenge.
Race 1 got underway in 5-6knotss, the fleet away cleanly. The first leg saw a number of boats including Jane Kearney, Niall Henry, local Alan Pinder & Ross Kearney all crossing closely on the first beat, but it was Blessingtons Simon Cully & Libby Tierney who were first to weather mark. A massive shout could be heard, the pair delighting in the feat but then showed great skill and patience in continuing to lead through the triangle and sausage and with a shortened course held off Ger Owens & Mel Morris to take their first ever race win. The celebration was epic with the famous Lough Owel trout joined by the Blessington helm.
Race 2 saw an initial abandonment when a big windshift caused a surge on the line with 10seconds to go. Our PRO had the fleet back in sequence in very quick time and the race finally underway with Niall Henry & Ossian Geraghty showing early ahead of Ross KearneKearney & Katie Dwyer. With the wind gone very light again, the PRO shortened the courses after the sausage, however an OCS meant Ross & Katie get the gun with John & Donal McGuinness taking 2nd ahead of Colman Grimes & Samuel Wray. At that stage it certainly looked like no more racing for the day.
Patience is a virtue and having moved the Committee boat a little further down the lake, the PRO had the fleet under starter orders for Race 3. With the wind very light now but still holding direction, the fleet were away first time. Up the first beat, and its like buses..none for hours and then 2 together. Simon Cully & Libby Tierney with blue spinnaker lead at the weather mark again. Closely followed by son Max Cully & Tighe Wardell with Barry McCartin & Conor Kinsella 3rd, Owens & Morris 4th, Jane Kearney & Rebekkah O’Tiarnaigh 5th and Kearney & O’Dwyer 6th. Down to the leeward mark Blessingtons father and son swap places a number of times with Max Cully retaking lead at next weather mark and holds it to the end of the sausage ahead of Kearney & O'Tiarnaigh, Kearney & Dwyer and McCartin & Kinsella.
Cully & Wardell, the GP14 nominees for the Junior Champions Cup in Schull this weekend, enjoyed the moment, the youngsters singing down the leg. However, on the short beat to shortened finish experience and some neat tacking in a diminishing breeze sees Kearney & Dwyer take the gun just, from Kearney & O’Tiarnaigh with McCartin & Kinsella squeezing out our long time leaders young Max Cully & Tighe Wardell. Great effort from the young guys.
Day 2 dawned with a little more breeze and a different look to the leader board with Cully & Tierney separating Kearney & Dwyer and Owens & Morris with Kearney & O’Tiarnaigh and McCartin & Kinsella making up the top 5.
Race 4 got underway promptly in about 8 knots breeze. Owens & Morris lead at the end of the sausage with McCartin & Kinsella and Dan Gill & Mark Bolger a good 10 boat lengths behind. By the finish of the second triangle, Owens & Morris had opened a massive lead. However, big changes were taking place behind with now Kearney & Dwyer up to 2nd ahead of Kearney & O'Tiarnaigh 3rd with Gill & Bolger head to head with Keith & Matteo Louden for 4th with the former just getting there.
Race 5 saw a general recall with PRO resisting the temptation to go to the Black flag but getting them away quickly as he sought to ensure 6 races. By the bottom of the first triangle Colman Grimes & Sam Wray lead Gill & Bolger, Owens & Morris and Paddy O’Connor & Adrian Lee. Having gone out right Curly Morris & Meg Tyrrell make big gains and are up to 5th. By the end of the sausage Owens & Morris have taken the lead from Grimes & Wray with Alistair Duffin & Steven Nelson up to 3rd and Gill & Bolger 4th ahead of Niall Henry & Ossian Geraghty and Morris & Tyrrell. A broken tiller sees O’Connor & Lee drop to 6th. With wind holding steady PRO opts to let the race run its course and on the final downwind leg a Kearney & Dwyer and McCartin & Kinsella make some moves to recover ground. Owens & O’Dwyer take the gun followed by Grimes & Wray with Kearney & Dwyer 3rd to keep the event in the balance till the last race. McCartin & Kinsell show they are getting to grips with the GP14 take 4th on the nod from the father and son Louden pairing.
Race 6 got underway under Black Flag after the 2nd General Recall of the day. That late push in Race 5 by Kearney & Dwyer meant the Championship was still on the line with the pressure on Owens & Morris to beat them by more than 4 places. The wind is down to 6 knots as Owens & Morris lead around the weather mark now looking for a hat-trick of wins for the day and to heap the pressure back on Kearney & Dwyer. Adding to the pressure were O’Connor & Lee with repaired tiller now a clear second ahead of Henry & Geraghty with Grimes & Wray and Duffin & Nelson also ahead of Kearney & Dwyer. The PRO lets the fleet complete the set course with Owens & Morris taking their 3rd gun of the day. All eyes were now behind to see if Kearney & Dwyer could make any inroads to the deficit. A recurrence of the tiller problem dropped O’Connor & Lee back to 6th with Duffin & Nelson passing Grimes & Wray for 3rd behind Henry & Geraghty. 5th was the best Kearney & Dwyer could do and just not enough to take the title from the holders Ger Owens & Mel Morris.
A super event hosted by Mullingar Sailing Club under the stewardship of event coordinator and Club Commodore David Maxwell. A super dinner in the Annabrook Hotel was preceded by the Class first face to face AGM in a few years.
Outgoing President and Mullingar club man Michael Collender thanked the sailors and his Committee for their support throughout his tenure and particularly in this a GP14 World Championship year which had been such a success. Michael also extended best wishes to Ger Owens, Jane Kearney, Shane MacCarthy and Max Cully who would be representing the GP14 Class in the re-badged Irish Sailing Champions Cup reflecting that the GP14 Class are honored to have been asked, in its 75th anniversary year, to host the event, formerly known as the Helmsmans Championship. It will be held in Sutton Dinghy Club in early October and has been graced down the years by a number of GP14 winners including a couple who sailed in Mullingar this past weekend.
The prize-giving on Sunday saw Club Commodore David Maxwell & GP14 President Andy Johnton present prizes to Youth, Junior as well as Bronze, Silver and Gold fleet winners. Ger Owens in receiving the Leinster Championship trophy thanked everyone for traveling in such numbers and again demonstrating the appeal of the Class to both the young and the more experienced(!) who want close and competitive racing in a friendly fleet and looked forward to all catching up again later in October for our Hot Toddy & Youth Championships.
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Youth Champion (U22)
Junior Champion (U16)
Notice of Race
Mullingar Sailing Club
Skerries Sailing Club
The World Championships kicks off on August 14th, with boat measurement starting on Saturday 13th and finishes on August 19th. The preparations in Skerries have been immense, having planned originally for a 2020 World Championship. Skerries is a great attraction at the best of times, and with this being one of the biggest sailing events in Ireland this summer, it should be well worth visiting at some stage over the week.
See below the extensive list of sponsors supporting the event. A big thank you all from GP14 Ireland.
Skerries Sailing Club
Skerries Sailing Club are looking forward to hosting the 2022 O’Tiarnaigh Challenge. This event has always had a different style to it than your regular event and this year is no different. Branded the Pre Worlds (for the year thats in it) the main focus of the weekend is to get as alot of gate start practice at the worlds venue with 8 one round races on saturday. The top 3 in each fleet (Gold, Silver & Bronze) can have a lie in on Sunday morning.
On Sunday we will have 3 knockout races (Olympic Courses / Gate start) and then a Medal Race Finale for th top 3 boats remaining in the Gold, Silver & Bronze Fleet.
Check the NOR for more details on the event format.
Note: This is an Online Entry Event - Entry is NOW OPEN HERE
Skerries Sailing Club
Skerries Sailing Club are looking forward to hosting the 2022 O’Tiarnaigh Challenge. This event has always had a different style to it than your regular event and this year is no different. Branded the Pre Worlds (for the year thats in it) the main focus of the weekend is to get as alot of gate start practice at the worlds venue with 8 one round races on saturday. The top 3 in each fleet (Gold, Silver & Bronze) can have a lie in on Sunday morning.
On Sunday we will have 3 knockout races (Olympic Courses / Gate start) and then a Medal Race Finale for th top 3 boats remaining in the Gold, Silver & Bronze Fleet.
Check the NOR for more details on the event format.
Note: This is an Online Entry Event - Entry is NOW OPEN HERE
Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club July 2 -3
Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club July 2 -3
Notice of Race
Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club
Now Available Below
Just a reminder that all Helms will need to be members of the GP14 International Assoc for our GP14 Ireland events, including The Spring Open in Sligo this weekend. This will be checked as part of registration.
Event Report - Ross Gingles
Lough Foyle Yacht Club May 21 -22
A fleet of 26 boats arrived to a very warm and highly organised welcome, at the extraordinary Lough Foyle Yacht Club, a place that proves it’s people that make a club and successful event. Located at the picturesque Culmore Point, or the ‘Big Corner’, the club is nestled in a historic fort, where the river Foyle enters lough Foyle. Blasted by the intermittent south westerly gusts coming down the river, and seeing the channel downstream in the race area, it was clear that the conditions were going to test the wits of all, and with the fleet practising hard for the forthcoming World championship in August, the dinghy park was a bustle of energy for what was gearing up to be a hotly contested Thompson NI Ulster Championship.
With the fleet eager to make their mark, racing took a few attempts to get underway, and after the second general recall the PRO Sam Lyness had the black flag out, claiming one of team Sutton boats, Hugh & Dan Gill. With the fleet up and away, the local pairing of Keith and Mateo Louden used their local knowledge to get right early and to good effect, though with the wind variable around the course, those who made good use of the puffs were also faring well. Following serval position changes on the long beats, the strategy of conservatively playing the right, allowed the pairing of Colman Grimes and Ross Gingles from Skerries SC to claim the first win of the weekend, followed by Ger Owens and Melanie Morris of the Roal St. George YC, who managed to keep Peter and Stephen Boyle of Sutton DC at bay down the last reaching leg. Suttons Conor Twohig and Mathew Cotter put in a strong race to finish 1st Silver boat with the tenacious Lara Sunday and Jennifer Bryce of Newtownards SC 1st in bronze.
The second race was to see rain clouds blow in and the momentum of the river establish itself more ferociously, resulting in a much more dramatic weather mark rounding. Grimes and Gingles in “No Surprise” were now causing the opposite reaction, much to the dismay of the McGuiness brothers, who could do nothing to avoid the subsequent T-bone as the pair "surprised" them with a literal crash-tack onto port. The equally surprised Adrian Lee and Gareth Gallagher were next in the line to be caught in the same fray. Countless others were now finding the charms of mark rounding at Foyle! Having sat out the first race, the fresh-legged (possibly cold) pairing of Hugh & Dan Gill instantly made up for their earlier misdemeanour with a well deserved bullet. Ross Kearney and Andrew Vaughan of Royal North of Ireland YC took 2nd with Peter and Steven Boyle showing their consistency with two 3rds now under their belt. Sam Wray and Luke Henderson of Sligo YC took 7th place and first silver and with some swapping around in the bronze fleet, it was now Michael Collender and Brian Walker’s of Mullingar YC time to shine.
Race three took the form of follow the leader after a light air start which caught the fleet napping and many struggling to make the line. The ever-attentive Ger and Melanie were the first to spot the favoured right hand corner having made the observation earlier in the day, and with many believing the left should be advantaged, they were now largely uncontested and pulled out a very substantial lead and easy win. Anyone misjudging their lay lines paid a heavy price and Ross Kearney and Andrew Vaughan were rewarded with an 11th place after they attempted an early cross from the shelter of the right corner. The Gill’s commendable conviction, that the left should pay, were rewarded with an 18th, while in contrast Josh Porter and Cara McDowell of Newtownards SC came 2nd having seen the advantages of Ger and Melanie’s progress. Peter and Stephen Boyle made it a hattrick of 3rd places for the day and Michael Cox and Claire Crommie of Newtownards SC were first silver boat with a 5th now under their belts. Michael Collender and Brian Walker went on to improve their positions in the bronze fleet with a 10th.
A warm greeting, hot soup, and a multitude of cakes and sandwiches greeted the fleet once they had battled their way back up the river and got ashore. Once changed the fleet descended on mass to the Magnet Pub where a feast of further food drink was devoured by the now tired and contented sailors who enjoyed regaling the day’s stories. The overnight results left the field wide open with Ger and Mel leading overall but unable to sail the next day as Ger due to report back on his son’s experiment, it turns out a bucket will stay attached to a tow hitch when driving to a sailing event, though it remains inconclusive whether his sister’s Barbie doll could make the journey!
The morning of day 2 saw more of the same conditions, but with some new faces appearing on the scene, with JP and Caroline McCaldin, Ruan and Rebecca O’Tiarnagh and event hosts James Peter Hockley and Alan Thompson getting a short reprieve from their commendable organisational duties. Some tired bodies and rigging failures caused serval boats to not make it out and with “No surprise” on shore re-threading a halyard dashing their chances to stay in the mix, John and Donal McGuiness of Moville had a much better day and unimpeded were able to take the win followed by Keith and Mateo Louden of Lough Foyle YC in 2nd, with Diarmaid Mullan and Lauren Donaghy of Sligo YC in 3rd. Lauren was in a rush to make a flight to Amsterdam, so they both pulled out the stops, leaving the race course straight after. Anthony Hutton and Joy Whelan took a turn to bring home first bronze fleet boat.
Race 5 saw a familiar game of snakes and ladders in the unstable, puffy and shifty conditions. Ross Kearney and Andrew Vaughan were making the most of it, and were able to power through the chop that was now building to secure another win putting them in a good position to close out the series provided they could discard their 11th. Hugh ad Dan Gill took 2nd and Josh Porter and Cara McDowell 3rd.
Going into the final race the podium positions looked to be between the pairings of Ross Kearney and Andrew Vaughan, Peter and Steven Boyle, Alan Blay and Hugh McNally and Colman Grimes and Ross Gingles. The black flag was soon out and a clear start for the final race on a reasonably even line. The Boyles looked good for a while but overlaid the windward mark Grimes and Gingles put in a decent beat to pop out in the front row with Conor Twohig and Mathew Cotter pipping them to the mark. The positions were held on the windy reach that followed, with Peter and Stephen Boyle followed by Ross Kearney and Andrew Vaughan , Alan Blay and Hugh McNally. Conor and Matthew and Grimes and Gingles pulled out a pretty substantial lead on the rest of the fleet. Eventually Conor and Mathew were overtaken by Grimes & Gingles and close out the race with other race win. The Boyles came 3rd.
Ross Kearney & Andrew Vaughan came 4th in the final race which was enough to win the event and the title of Ulster Champions. Peter & Stephen Boyle retaining 2nd overall and Peter 1st placed youth. Colman Grimes & Ross Gingles with a 2nd race win held off Alan Blay & Hugh McNally to retain 3rd place by a point. Conor Twohig & Matthew Cotter impressive final race meant they finished 9th overall and held their lead in Silver with Michael Collender and Brian Walker taking Bronze over Jennifer Bryce & Lara Sunday.
A fantastic weekend of sailing has had by all.
Lough Foyle Yacht Club May 21 -22
With 26 boats entered, Ger Owens & Mel Morris managed a 5, 2, 1 with Peter & Stephen Boyle being consistent with a 3, 3, 3 finish. Reports suggest the wind was all over the place with very shifty conditions in Race 1. The wind was up at 20knt and down to 5knt at different times in Race 2 and 3. A major talking point was the renowned tide. There were obviously a few newcomers to Lough Foyle but seems the tide didn't behave as some expected. I am sure it made for great discussion with the tidal flow charts over dinner which from reports I am hearing back was really excellent. Great job Magnet Bar and James Peter & Alan Thomspson.
&
Event Information Sheet
Lough Foyle Yacht Club
Now Available Below
Just a reminder that all Helms will need to be members of the GP14 International Assoc for our GP14 Ireland events, including The Spring Open in Sligo this weekend. This will be checked as part of registration.
Payment can be made at Registration on Saturday morning.
However please let one of the Organisers know in ADVANCE that you are planning to attend.
James Peter Hockley 0044 (0) 7511477211
Alan Thompson 07813081469
Kevin Lynch 07824770599
NOte: Camping available on site. The Event Information Sheet includes details on other accomodation options close to the Club, Directions to the Club and details of after-race Social and Food Menu for Saturday Evening.
Sligo Yacht Club April 30 / May 1
Sligo Yacht Club April 30 / May 1
Sligo Yacht Club April 30 / May 1
Notice of Race
(Event Information & Accomodation List)
Sligo Yacht Club
Now Available Below
Just a reminder that all Helms will need to be members of the GP14 International Assoc for our GP14 Ireland events, including The Spring Open in Sligo this weekend. This will be checked as part of registration.
Payment can be made at Registration on Saturday morning.
However please let Ossian Geraghy know in ADVANCE that you are planning to attend.
geraghty.ossian@gmail.com
+353 (0) 85 8018733
Note: Camping at the Clubhouse is free and there is loads of space for Tents, Caravans & Campervans.
Cullaun Sailing Club - GP14 Munster Championships 6/7 November
19 hardy teams travelled to east Clare for the final event of the 2021 season. The event was originally scheduled for earlier in the season but fell foul to Covid-19 and was postponed.
Saturdays forecast did not look promising and after the battering in Larne two weekends before there were many nervous competitors in the dinghy park. The 1st two races were held in shifty, gusty conditions with the wind maxing out in the high 20mps. Most teams who ventured out on the water took a swim at some stage, with several visits to the small islands and reed beds! Lough Erne YC husband and wife team Jp & Carolyn McCaldin stayed dry and won the 1st two races from Colman Grimes / Meg Tyrell, Greystones SC and Alan Blay / Hugh McNally, Sutton DC respectively. Adrian Lee & Connor Flynn, Youghal SC took 3rd in race 1 and then unfortunately had to retire with a broken boom. Katie Dwyer with guest crew Ger Owens, Sutton DC took 3rd in race 2 despite a swim.
The wind slightly moderated for race 3. Despite having no spinnaker pole Hugh Gill & Peter Boyle, Sutton DC showed everyone a clean pair of heels to take the race win from Alan Blay / Hugh McNally & Katie Dwyer / Ger Owens.
The fleet retired tired and weary to Gallaghers bar in Kilkishen on Saturday evening where they were entertained by members of the local hurling club who were celebrating their win. Despite their best efforts they were unable to get a sing-a-long with Ger Owens or event organiser Des McMahon!!
Sunday was a different day with much lighter and even shiftier
winds. Race 4 went to Katie Dwyer / Ger Owens, Katie’s 1st race win at a GP event. Simon Cully / Libby Tierney, Blessington SC led round the 1st mark and
finished in 2nd place, ahead of Richard Street / Lisa Flynn also from Blessington SC. After several efforts to start, race 5 finally got under way. Unfortunately Street / Flynns good
luck from race 4 ran out and they were caught out by the black flag. Gill / Boyle won the race, pipping long time leaders Grimes / Tyrell on the line. Katie Dwyer / Ger Owens took
3rd place.
With the McCaldins and Blay / McNally well down the pack the last race would be a fight out between the two Sutton DC teams. Despite leading at almost every mark Dwyer / Owens were very unlucky when
the wind filled in from the opposite side of the course on the final leg and lost 3 places. Race 6 and the event was won by Alan Blay / Hugh McNally. 2nd went to Adrian Lee / Conor
Flynn and 3rd to Norman Lee / Alan Leddy, Greystones SC, who both stormed through the pack on the final beat.
Sam & Matthew Street, Blessington SC, won the Silver fleet from club mates Simon Cully / Libby Tierney.
The Bronze fleet was won by Oisin Brown / Max Cully, again from Blessington SC.
Top marks to Blessington SC for bringing so many entries to the event, it is fabulous to see such a good youth turnout.
Thank you to all at Culluan SC for a fabulous event, proving that it is possible to extend the season until November.
Notice of Race & Sailing Instructions
Cullaun Sailing Club
Available Below
East Antrim Boat Club - GP14 Hot Toddy 24/24 October
It was with trepidation that the GP14 fleet arrived in East Antrim YC for the Annual Hot Toddy event as the weather forecast was showing winds gusting to 30 plus knots for Saturday with some easing expected for Sunday. Saturday dawned and the forecast for a change was spot on, wind and lots of it. Richard Doig, Principal Race Officer for the event, obviously had great faith in GP14 sailors’ abilities and promptly set out his course and flew his flags. Some of the fleet decided discretion was the better part of valour and stayed ashore while some other launched, attempted to beat up the Lough towards the racecourse and promptly decided to return to shore. The remainder battened down the hatches as they say and prepared to do battle both with the elements and each other. Well, believe me, the gusts were coming fast and furious and with shifts of up to thirty degrees , it was no place for the faint-hearted.
Race 1 saw Hugh & Dan Gill arrive at the windward mark in 1st followed closely by Shane McCarthy & Josh Porter in 2nd and a screaming reach ensued. Shane quickly overtook Hugh who had technical issues coming into the gybe mark and ended up swimming not unlike every competitor on the water that day if not once but several times, including our multiple event winner and All Ireland Champion Ger Owens who capsized on the start line. Shane went onto win with JP & Carolyn McCaldin in second with Hugh & Dan much to their surprise scoring a third. What happened to Colman & Ross?
Race 2 was another blaster. Again Shane & Josh got to the front with Ger & Mel a close second followed by Keith Louden & Brendan Brogan along with Adrian Lee & Gareth Gallagher & Hugh & Dan in a tight bunch behind. The wind was so strong that Shane & Josh without spinnaker were taking a tack at the gybe mark and promptly went swimming but recovered quickly to regain 1st . Mel and Ger started the sausage leg and bravely went for the kite, but alas even the mighty swim allowing Hugh & Dan to take second with JP & Carolyn taking third. What happened Colman & Ross? Well their boat is called “No Surprise” and boy did they get some surprise, as, after busting their proverbial for two tough races and finishing well, they discovered that they had been disqualified from both races for not going through the start line each time simply because they did not read the SI’s. Lesson learned!!
There was much chat and many stories when all returned to shore with all boats recovered and the only casualties being a bent mast for the boys from Cullaun SC, Des McMahon & George Fitzgerald and a few dented egos. Complimentary Hot Toddies nursed everyone back to good spirits
A splendid meal on Saturday evening was a credit to the members of East Antrim Boat Club and gave truth to their deserved reputation as great hosts.
Sunday’s wind was more manageable and all sailors took to the race course. Ger & Mel regained their composure, took first place in Race 1. JP & Carolyn took second and Colman & Ross, having learned their lesson, finally got on the scoreboard with a third.
Race 4 saw normal order of the weekend restored with Shane & Josh again notching up another race win with Hugh & Dan just doing enough to hold onto second in front of Ger & Mel.
Race 5 was more of the same. Shane & Josh notched up another win followed by Ger & Mel with Colman & Ross rounding off the day with another third. These boys are showing the fruits of their training and are definitely ones to watch for next season.
Other notable performances were from Bill & James Johnston who finished 6th overall their highest ever placing. Meg Tyrrell and Matthew Cotter racing in a borrowed boat finished all three races on Sunday.
A challenging event which tested all sailors to their core. But Shane & Josh’s skill with four firsts put them out in front as deserved winners with four points with Ger & Mel in second on eleven and Hugh & Dan in third on twelve.
Silver Fleet winners Bill & James Johnston followed closely by Stephen & Daniel Nelson two points behind with Simon Cully & Libby Tierney taking third.
Our Bronze Fleet winner was Jennifer Bryce & Lara Sunday who must be complemented as our most widely travelled novice sailors this year. They haven’t missed an event yet.
Notice of Race
East Antrim Boat Club
Larne
East Antrim Boat Club have provided the Notice of Race for the upcoming Hot Toddy event and have also provided a flyer outlining more detail including local accomodation and travel directions.
There is Online Entry and the Club would request that everybody if possible enter in adavnce of the weekend. The Club have provided a Guide to using the Online Entry. See all 3 documents below.
If the booking guide doesn’t work for GP14 members, please e-mail Robert (see below) or honsec@eabc.org.uk with your name, crew name, emergency contact details, sail number and email address and if they want dinner and how many. This will take a little extra time but is an option so as not to discourage sailors from entering the event.
To confirm attendance and for any other information required please contact:
Final Results
Mullingar Sailing Club
Day 1 Results
Mullingar Sailing Club
Another win for Ger and Mel
Sutton Dinghy Club - GP14 Autumn Open 11th/12th September
The weekend's GP14 Autumn Open took place at the Dublin home of the GP14, Sutton Dinghy Club. A total of 24 boats competed, with a great mix of lads and ladies, young and older!
As the forecast predicted, conditions were quite light 5-10 knots and very shifty. Sailors also had to contend with looking for the breeze, it was very elusive at time - coming and going throughout
the day. PRO, Jim Lamkin had no easy task but got the fleet off as scheduled.
After one restart, the first race was led from the start by Keith Louden and Brendan Brogan, with Katie Dwyer and Michelle Rowley in second. The ladies pulled right into Keith and Brendan on two of
the off-wind legs. However they took a few unlucky shifts on the beat, allowing the lads to get a good lead. The race finished up with a win for the Louden/ Brogan pairing, followed by Katie and
Michelle in second, with Ger Owens and Melanie Morris in 3rd.
Race 2 began with some of the fleet heading out to the right, due to a right shift just after the start. Sadly the author was not one of those, but anyone who did take a hitch right greatly
benefited. With much place changing during the race, Ger and Mel got the win, followed by the very strong partnership of Curley Morris and Richard Street. Coleman Grimes with Ross Gingles came in
third, after being chased by a very fast Sam Street and Josh Lloyd in fourth.
With renovation work due to start shortly in Sutton, the Club had organised access to Howth Yacht Club for some outdoor dining after racing. Katier Dwyer and husband Michel arranged some pre-drinks in their garden before about 20 GP14 sailors headed for Howth. A great evening was had, and thank you to Howth Yacht Club for their generosity.
On Sunday, once the Youth event was completed, race 3 of the Autumn Open was able to start, followed promptly by race 4. With a very light northerly breeze off the land, PRO Jim Lamkin did a
stellar job getting the two races going. Both races were very light, where looking for breeze was just as important as looking for windshifts. Ger and Mel took the honours in race 3. Keith Louden
consolidated his overnight position with a 2nd and then after much place changing, the husband and wife team of Jane and Ross Kearney came 3rd. Race 4 was another tight race with multiple place
changing between the first five. Eventually it was a 1, 2, 3 for Ger, Keith and Katie!
Final Results
Gold fleet
1st Ger Owens/ Melanie Morris RSt.GYC
2nd Keith Louden/ Brendan Brogan Lough Foyle YC
3rd Katie Dwyer/ Michelle Rowley Sutton Dinghy Club
Silver Fleet
1st Sam Street/Josh Lloyd Blessington Sailing Club
2nd Sam Wray/ Ossain Geraghty Sligo YC
3rd Mark Bolger Blessington Sailing Club
Bronze Fleet
1st John Greer/ Jessica Greer Sligo YC
2nd David Evans/Jonathan Evans Sligo YC
3rd Matthew Cotter/ Jane Hunter Sutton Dinghy Club
Blessington one - two with Lily Thorup taking top Youth Prize
Sutton Dinghy Club - GP14 Autumn Open 11th/12th September
Over the weekend, racing was as good as it gets, atmosphere was excellent and hospitality was unbeatable, so massive thanks to Sutton Dinghy Club and all its members for showing us such a good time.
Over both days there was a light but consistent breeze laying the groundwork for a lot of close, competitive sailing to be had. All sailors were kept on their toes throughout the races and the finishes were kept tight.
Lily Thorup took home the Youth trophy, bringing glory to Blessington, with Colman Grimes in the front of the boat. Also great to see mirror fleet sailors, David Evans and Jessica Greer coming down
all the way from Sligo, and David winning the u16 prize.
To have so many youths at the event, and to be able to have a laugh with them off the water was unreal, and if they could keep coming to events maybe the rest of the clubs would be as alive as Sutton
was last weekend. So massive thanks to all the youth sailors who turned up to the event for making it so enjoyable and also congratulations to the older sailors in the fleet for getting them (and us)
involved and being so welcoming and helpful.
Full results on home page of Sutton Dinghy Club.
SI's available
Mullingar Sailing Club
Mullingar Sailing Club have provided the Sailing Instructions which are available below.
Online Entry will be available right through to Saturday. There is space for Camping and toilets will be available overnight in the Clubhouse. Please support Mullingar even if you JUST fancied some good racing on Satrurday.
Autumn Open & Youth Championships
Sutton Dinghy Club
11-12 September
Liy Thorup from Blessington Sailing Club is the new GP14 Youth Champion, pipping Sam Street today @ Sutton Dinghy Club
Ger Owens & Melanie Morris retained the Autum Open ahead of Keith Louden / Brendan Brogan with Katie Dwyer / Michelle Rowley taking 3rd.
Full Results for both events NOW AVAILABLE ON Club website.
Reminder
GP14 start @
Sutton Dinghy Club Regatta
Saturday 28th August.
NOR available on Club website. Online Entry only.
Boats intending to race the Autumn Open & Youth Championship on Sep 11/12 in Sutton can be left at the Club after the Regatta
Lough Erne Yacht Club
2 races sailed today and hats off to our PRO Derek Bothwell for managing to complete the full schedule.
Ger Owens & Brendan Brogan won both races to just pip Shane MacCarthy & Josh Porter by a point but it was a nail-biter that went right to the wire.
According to the mathematicians in the fleet, only 2 wins would do for Ger & Brendan and he took a clear victory in the mornings first race. Colman Grimes & Ross Gingles were 2nd with Ross and Shane fighting it out for the 3rd spot.
With Ger and the leaders on their way up the last beat, the PRO was left with no choice but to apply the dreaded blue flag and sailing through the line downwind SI which claimed a good portion of the fleet. A harsh lesson for many Silver, Bronze and the odd Gold fleet sailor.
Into the deciding last race and a great start on the left by Ger looked like the Championships was now his to lose as Shane and Ross were buried in the fleet on the other side of the course.
If Ger thought he just needed to sail to the finish he soon realised it wasn't the case, as Katie Dwyer & Michele Rowley paced them all the way around and Ger & Brendan couldn't shake them off. Meanwhile, following the poor start Shane & Josh came from way back to move into 3rd. No one was quite sure but Ger by holding off Katie Dwyer & Michelle Rowley on the last beat ensured they clinched the deal.
A superb 4th following his 6th in Race 7 from James Hockley & Alan Thompson (Lough Foyle) gave them 5th Overall and Silver fleet victory from Steven & Daniel Nelson (Newtownards) and fleet newcomer Patrick Hamilton & James Dewhurst (East Down). Gold Fleet next year guys!
Bronze fleet victory went to Sutton Dinghy Club new-comers Matthew Cotter & Tom Mulligan who just held off a late rally from locals Michael & David Brines (LEYC) to take the honours. Class President Michael Collender & Brian Walker ( Mullingar) were 3rd.
A superb 4th Overall including a Race 4 win by Yin Tang helped ensure Hugh and Dan Gill took the Masters Championship.
The new boats under Hugh and Norman Lee were very quick and should mean a few enquiries to Alistair Duffin before next years Worlds.
Ciaran Keogh and Adam Leddy finished 20th Overall and took the Youth Championship.
JP McCaldin along with LEYC Commodore Neil Ireland presented the prizes. The PRO Derek Borhwell was given a great reception and complimented for his efforts in getting a full schedule completed.
JP and Michel Collender, Class President thanked everybody, and particularly the Youth sailors for getting up to Lough Erne making it such a great event and encouraged a good turnout for the next event which is the Autumn Open & Youth Championship to be held in Sutton Dinghy Club on Sep 11/12.
Lough Erne Yacht Club
Lough Erne Yacht Club
Notice of Race
Lough Erne Yacht Club
Lough Erne Yacht Club have provided the Notice of Race for the upcoming 2021 GP14 Championship of Ireland.
There will be a daily prize giving including
individual race trophies, and spot prizes throughout the fleet, at 7pm on Friday and Saturday.
Complimentary breakfast and hot drinks will
be provided on all 3 days.
There will be a BBQ on Friday evening, a
Championship dinner on Saturday and lunch available on Sunday. Please see attached menu. Please note all meals must be pre-booked, payment can be made at registration on Friday
morning.
We have a band organised for Saturday
night.
There is plenty of space for camping on the
club site but we ask that you please notify us if you are intending to pitch a tent / park a campervan. A local accomodation list is provided BELOW for those looking for a bit more
luxury!
Registration will be from 9.30am on Friday
morning, we would appreciate it if all competitors could please confirm their intention to enter the event by Wednesday 11th August. Everyone who has confirmed attendance, and
enters, will be placed into a free draw to win their entry fee back.
To confirm attendance and for any other
information required please contact:
Blessington Sailing Club
Different event, same result. Following their success at the Ulsters two weeks ago, Ger Owens and Mel Morris were crowned GP14 Leinster Champions at Blessington Sailing Club last weekend. (Jul 3/4)
Originally earmarked as part of the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta, the Leinsters attracted 34 boats to Blessington and Blessington did not disappoint.
On Saturday, tough flukey conditions saw a long delay before racing got underway at 2:15 but our PRO Joe Crilly held his nerve to get in 3 great races.
While Hugh Gill might be waiting for his new GP14 from Alistair Duffin, it certainly doesn't stop him getting into other boats and making them sail fast. With another loaner for the Leinsters, he led the first race from the start, chased by Ger Owens, Shane MacCarthy, Norman Lee and Colman Grimes, only relinquishing the lead on the last leg in to the line. 1, 2 Shane & Ger, with Hugh hanging on for 3rd.
A couple of windshift induced AP's led to Black Flag start on Race 2 but with everyone away, it didn't take long for Shane and Ger to renew rivalry again with Curly Morris well to the fore. By end of the race Ger was in the ascendancy with Keith Louden coming through to take 3rd. Curly 4th and Colman Grimes taking 5th.
Race 3 saw Ger, Shane, Curly, Keith and Colman all to the fore from early on. A stronger breeze brought some welcome fast spinnaker reaches. With Keith splitting Shane and Ger, it now looked like some order was taking shape going into Sunday. Not a bit of it! It was still all still to play for.
Sunday saw PRO Joe Crilly out promptly on the water and now aided by the visiting Derek Bothwell from HYC. The day started with fresher and more consistent breeze for the first race. This time Curly Morris with event organiser Richard Street in the front of the boat, split Ger and Shane with the pair now level on points. The 5th race saw a clean start, but with plenty of port-starboard incidents as well as the unusual sight of Ger Owens in the water after losing his footing. An improving David Johnston looked likely to be first to the weather mark, but a windshift saved a nosebleed by letting Shane and Colman nip in ahead. The Class saw Diana Kissane (Sutton Dinghy Club/HYC) back in the fleet for the first time in 10 years and a 4th in Race 5 suggests it won't be long before we see her exert pressure at the top of the fleet. A great recovery saw Ger fight his way back into contention from his early bath but Shane hung on for the bullet with Ger having to settle for 2nd.
Silver fleet was led at this stage by the very consistent Conor Twohig & Meg Tyrrell (Sutton Dinghy Club) who had posted 5 top 10 finishes to lead Steve Nelson (Newtownards SC) and Stuart McCormack (Mullingar SC). The host Clubs Matthew Street led Bronze fleet from Class President Michael Collander (Mullingar SC) going into the 6th and final race.
With dark rain clouds forming and moving down the valley, Joe and Derek got the final race off without a hitch. A ding dong match race ensued between Ger and Shane as they struggled to gain the key advantage. Ever consistent now in 2 events, Skerries Colman Grimes injected himself into the frame and made the outcome even more interesting. A major windshift on the sausage prompted the PRO to shorten the race and with Colman now in 2nd, Shane's 3rd meant Ger & Mel were to take the Championship.
With the rain now starting to lash the fleet, 34 boats made a bee-line for the shore.
Derek Bothwell who will be PRO for GP14 Championship of Ireland in August came down to get acquainted with the Class and with 34 boats, quality racing at all 3 levels of the fleet he must have been impressed and I am sure he will now be looking forward to Lough Erne in August.
A great turnout from the host Club, strong Youth attendance and with 16 Clubs represented across the 34 boat fleet, 2021 has highlighted the interest in competitive, affordable racing within Irelands largest 2 handed Class. With quite a few notable absentees in Blessington and also a no. of new boats on the way an even better turnout may be expected for the Nationals at Lough Erne Yacht Club in August. All preparation for the GP14 Worlds in Skerries in Aug 2022.
Richard Street as Event Organiser with Class President Michael Collander presented the Leinster Championship McDowell Trophy to Ger Owens and Melanie Morris. The Leinster Youth Trophy went to Peter
Boyle & Joe Doherty (Sutton Dinghy Club) with the Leinster Junior U19 Trophy going to Sam Street and Rian O'Hailin (Blessington).
Class President Michael Collander thanked Blessington Sailing Club for all their efforts in making it such a great event. Remarking on the no. of event first timers in Blessington he reminded
everyone of the Classes ' Adopt a Sailor' campaign and asked regular attendees to help encourage and support someone in their Club to get along to the next GP14 event. Be
it issues with trailers, tuning or a crew sometimes a little bit of help and support can make the difference in getting someone to their first event. He praised Steven Nelson from Newtownards and
Shane MacCarthy for supporting and encouraging Jennifer Bryce/Lara Sunday and Ronan Beirne/Dave Mulvin to make it to Blessington. With nearly 6 weeks to our next event,
the Championship of Ireland (August 13-15), Michael encouraged those who can make it to attend the Skerries Regatta on July 24/25 where a GP14 start
will be provided.
Photos courtesy of and John Channin and Ruairi O'Hailin, .
Youth (U22)
Peter Boyle & Joe Doherty (Sutton Dinghy Club)
Junior (U19)
Sam Street & Josh Lloyd (Blessington Lakes SC)
Bronze Fleet
1 Matthew Street & Riain O'Hailin (Blessington Lakes SC)
2 Michael Collender & Brian Walker (Mullingar SC)
3 Des McMahon Pat Biesty (Cullaun SC)
Silver Fleet
1 Conor Twohig & Meg Tyrrell (Sutton Dinghy Club)
2 Steve & Daniel Nelson (Newtownards SC)
3 Stuart McCormick & Bernie Briody (Mullingar SC)
Gold Fleet
1 Ger Owens & Mel Morris (RStGYC)
2 Shane MacCarthy & Josh Porter (Greystones SC)
3 Colman Grimes & Ed Coyne (Skerries SC)
Notice of Race
Blessington Sailing Club
Blessington Sailing Club having stepped into the breach to hold the Leinsters following cancellation of the Volvo Dun Laoghiare Regatta have issued the events Notice of Race.
Further details regarding Online entry will follow in the next few days.
Please take note of the additional Covid procedures provided by Blessington Sailing Club
Newtownards Sailing Club, June 19/20
Check out Full Results and Photos By Bob Given Photography
2022 GP14 World Championships
Skerries Sailing Club
August 14 to 19
(as of April 2021)
Following a review by Skerries Sailing Club, in conjunction with our national and international stakeholders, we have decided that, in light of the current pandemic and with the consideration of the safety and welfare of all who would be involved, the postponed GP14 World Championships 2020 will be rescheduled to 14-19 August 2022. More details to follow.
Folks
While the cancellation of the Volvo was a disappointment for the GP14 Class, what with the GP14 likely to be the largest represented Class with 30 boats registered, I am delighted to say that our 2021 Leinster Championships will go ahead but not in Dun Laoghaire.
Since news of the VDLR cancellation came through, the Committee have been working behind the scenes considering possible alternate venues for the event.
As with last year, a big shout out to Richard Street and the Committee in Blessington for committing to run the event at such short notice. Remember Richard & Blessington managed to run our only event of 2020 The Autumn Open & Youth Championships.
The re-arranged event will be run over 2 days the week-end of July 3-4. More details will be communicated in the coming weeks.
Great news for the GP14 fleet...we can confirm that our Ulser Championships will go ahead in Newtownards Sailing Club on weekend of June 19/20. Newtownards members have been back sailing for almost a month now and have good numbers out on the water.
The organisers have a max limit of 40 boats (at this time) and will only be taking entries Online via the portal link attached. With 10+ GP14 boats sailing in Newtownards, entries will be on a first come first served basis. Closing date for entries is June 17th.
Good news is that there should be bar and food, subject to prevailing restrictions. Full details on the attached link below.
The Club have confirmed they will have plenty of camping facilities available on site.
With our first (qualifying) event since 2019 looming with the Ulster Championship in Newtownards on June 19/20, I am delighted to confirm that Craftinsure will once again sponsor our GP14 Fleet Leagues.
The final League situation at the end of the 2019 season can be found HERE on our Fleets and Leagues page.
For those new to the Class, the guidelines to how the Class manage and administer the Fleet can be found on the attached document.
till
Folks
Following discussions between the Class and Cullaun Sailing Club we have made the decision to postpone the Munster Championship till a later date in the season. With only a limited lifting of restrictions expected for the end of April, we believe it is highly unlikely we would have been able to proceed with our initial dates of May 15/16.
The event has been rearranged for November 6th / 7th 2021.
Fingers crossed that we will be able to make the journey to Newtownards in June for the Ulster Championships. As of this weekend we have 27 boats entered for the Leinster Championships which will be raced as part of the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta in early July. The early bird entry has been extended till April 16th.
The Class Committee are meeting regularly and we will keep you informed of any further developments with regard to getting back sailing.
The event organisers have a
no. of early bird entry promotions that shold be of interest to the GP14 Fleet.
If we can get 25 GP14 entries by
28th February VDLR organisers will put up a €100 VDLR Hospitality voucher which may be redeemed against food and drink during VDLR. The draw for this particular voucher will
only be open to the GP14 Class.
NOTE: The VDLR organisers have confirmed that if the event does not go ahead due to Covid-19 restrictions ALL entry fees will
be refunded. So please consider entering and avail of reduced entry fee and chance to win a voucher or some nice sailing gear.
In addition VDLR are running an early bird draw for (all fleets) entries received by end of February with the winner receiving a HH Performance Sailing bag. All GP14 entries will be in both draws.
Race Weekend: 2-4 July 2021
Early Bird Entry Fee for GP14 Class : €100
Online Entry : www.dlregatta.org
Folks, just a quick update with regard to our recent (2020) AGM which was held on January 20th via Zoom.
With over 30 attendees it was a great success. Thank you to everybody that made the effort to jon in. Particularly welcome were a number of new members to the Class who have joined in 2020.
There was some very interactive discussions on a wide array of topics from World Sailing news, Skerries Worlds 2022, our 2021 Event Calendar to Regionals events and the emergence of Munster venues.
The feedback to the Committee since the meeting has been extremely positive and would indicate even if we get back to a face to face AGM this year we should consider also opening it up to Zoom going forward.
The new Committee is now in place with Michael Collender taking over from David Cooke as the Class President. In addition we saw Katie Dwyer and Ger Owens come onboard with Colman Grimes stepping down. David Cooke will remain on Committee to ensure continuity with regard to arrangements for Skerries 2022.
The Committee would ask that everyone consider entering the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatt before the end of February. See note below. This would help ensure the GP14 get maximum exposure for the event and everyone entered before end of February is in with 2 opportunities to win Early Bird prizes.
Regards
Andy Johnston
(Afloats Betty Armstrong)
Paul Rowan was a renowned member of the GP14 class, a staunch supporter of East Antrim Boat Club at Larne and a talented helmsman sadly passed away on Saturday (23rd Jan).
Paul was a highly successful sailor despite carrying a weakness in his shoulder muscles on one side, a legacy of childhood polio. Paul had a number of coping mechanisms to overcome this - such as
using his whole body to heave in the mainsheet.
Paul's prowess in the GP14 world came to prominence in 1965 when he and crew Graham Gingles won the Northern Ireland Championship. He was runner-up in the British Nationals in 1968 and 1973.
In '68 a broken kicker on the last beat while lying a close second may have cost him the Championship which was won by John McWilliam, also from East Antrim. In 1971, they were Irish and N I champions.
In '84 and '85, sailing with Mark Nolan of Dun Laoghaire Harbour, Paul reached the pinnacle of sailing competition in Ireland winning the then Helmsman's Championship of Ireland. The duo also finished fifth at the '85 World Championships in Mumbles, Wales.
His business career took him to the position of Managing Partner in Price Waterhouse Coopers, the merged company of Price Waterhouse and Coopers Lybrand in Belfast.
His indomitable spirit as displayed on a foray in Fiona Hicks' RS Elite at Bangor. Word is that after racing he and crew Lee Stevenson and Bill Whisker stormed into the harbour entrance under spinnaker!
Fellow EABC member, long-standing GP14 sailor and current President of GP14 International Curly Morris has great memories: "Paul and I had an intense rivalry on the water, which through Club racing at least twice a week propelled us to the top of the Irish Fleet. (It was kept under control after '67 when I started sailing the Finn dinghy, aiming to go to the Olympics.) We nevertheless maintained respect for each other's abilities on and off the water and if united in a common cause worked together well and closely. One example is the first dinghy racing committee of the newly formed Irish Sailing Association when we served together with Adrian Bell, Maurice Butler and Johnny Hooper". Curly adds "In the mid' 70s my wife, Ann started sailing with me. Having Paul just in front of us was the greatest incentive for her (and me) to sit out harder as he was one of those people who we just didn't want to be beaten by - especially if it was windy! (If you need to know Pat Murphy was the other)."
Sincere condolences to Paul's widow Rosie, and daughters Julie and Nikki.
BA
(Will be held on Zoom)
8pm
The 2020 AGM will go ahead on January 20th 2021 as notified previously. The formal aspects of the AGM will be kept to a minimum but we would like to have as many members on the call to spend some time sharing ideas and getting a sense of what the membership would like for the coming season as well as what you would like to see from next years Committee.
While we already have a number of changes on Committee we would welcome addressing the gender balance and would like to have one of our female members put their names forward. Committee work is not onerous with 5-6 meetings (usually done via Zoom) through the season. Feel free to email me using email below.
The Committee have published the 2021 Calendar (see Left side of Home Page) and are already working on ideas and options for the 2022 event calendar. The Committee would welcome members thoughts and ideas on events and locations at this point. Feel free to email me using email below.
AGM Agenda
As an added incentive to join the AGM, the LEYC and the Committee have agreed to run a draw to win free entry for the 2021 GP14 Championship of Ireland. All registered attendees of the AGM will be entered in the draw.
The Committee would really welcome a good turnout for the AGM. The Zoom contact details will be
issued to members via email in the next few days.
REMEMBER THE DATE
January 20th 2021, 8pm
Email GP14 news and notices to Andy on info@gp14ireland.com to get them posted here
The event organisers have 3
early bird entry promotions that shold be of interest to the GP14 Fleet.
If we can get 25 GP14 entries by
28th February VDLR organisers will put up a €100 VDLR Hospitality voucher which may be redeemed against food and drink during VDLR. The draw for this particular voucher will
only be open to the GP14 Class.
NOTE: The VDLR organisers have confirmed that if the event does not go ahead due to Covid-19 restrictions ALL entry fees will
be refunded. So please consider entering and avail of reduced entry fee and chance to win a voucher or some nice sailing gear.
In addition VDLR will be running 2 early bird draws for (all fleets) entries received by end January for a pair of Dubarry Performance Boots of your choice and for those received by end of February we will have a HH Performance Sailing bag. All GP14 entries will also be in the draw for these items as well.
Race Weekend: 2-4 July 2021
Early Bird Entry Fee for GP14 Class : €100
Online Entry : www.dlregatta.org