October 19 / 20

Final Results Below

Carolyn McCaldin

The weekend of 19/20 October saw the GP14 fleet return to Lough Erne Yacht Club for the Hot
Toddy, the final event of the 2024 calendar. The event was kindly supported by Fermanagh & Omagh District Council the Boatyard Distillery.

The warnings of Storm Ashley due to batter the country did not deter the 34 teams that entered the event. The 34 entries were made up of 3 local Lough Erne Yacht Club boats and 31 visiting boats, some of whom had travelled from as far as Tralee to sail on the beautiful waters of Lower Lough Erne. The fact that this many visitors travelled despite the forecast is testament to the renowned event management of the club.

On Saturday four of the events planned 6 races took place in near perfect sunny, dry conditions in a shifty southerly wind across the lake.

Race 1 was a battle between Sligo YC teams with the Irish youth champion team of David Evans & William Draper coming out on top from Niall Henry & Ossian Geraghty. Father & son team Keith & Mateo Louden, Lough Foyle YC, took 3 rd place. The bronze fleet was won by Lough Ernes brother & sister pairing Adam & Emily Torrens.

Race 2 went to Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club’s Ross Kearney & Daniel Nelson again from Henry & Geraghty with another Sligo sister & brother team of Jessica & Mark Greer in 3 rd place.

Race 3 was again a battle between Evans & Draper, Kearney & Nelson and Henry & Geraghty teams with the 3 finishing in that order. Unfortunately, the Royal North pair suffered a freak capsize at the final windward mark resulting in them losing their huge lead. 1 st bronze fleet boat was again the Torrens’.

The 4th race of the day turned out to be the final race of the event due to Sunday’s storm. Sligo team Paddy O’Connor with guest crew Richard Street took this race after a late start and some bad luck earlier in the day. Evans & Draper beat Kearney & Nelson and ultimately won the event. Top bronze in this race went to The Greers giving them 4 th overall and 1 st in the bronze fleet. Equal on points with this pair were the first Lough Erne Yacht Club boat of Adam & Emily Torrens finishing 2 nd in the bronze fleet and 5 th overall.

After a mentally demanding day on the water, the crews were welcomed ashore with a “Hot Toddy courtesy of sponsors The Boatyard Distillery followed by an evening of food and banter in the bar. At the prize giving, winners David & William thanked event organiser Michael Brines and all the Lough Erne Yacht Club volunteers and sponsors for a superb event.

October 19 / 20

Our NEXT event is the Hot Toddy in Lough Erne Yacht Club the weekend of October 19 / 20.

Hot Toddy entry is now open. Please enter now. Free gin after sailing on Saturday for first 50 entries!

Please get you entries in asap to help the organisers with their preparation.

CLICK HERE for NOR and Online Entry

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.

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

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.

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.

Next Event is the Leinster Championship, June 1/2, Howth Yacht Club.

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.

• Container shipping costs estimates suggest that the per boat cost could be in the region of €1,200-1,500 which is 3 to 4 times more expensive than shipping boats to Barbados for 2016 Worlds
• There still remains serious uncertainty on the future price of shipping with Red Sea being drawn into Middle East conflict, notwithstanding impacts on delivery times and schedules
• Long haul air fares have also risen considerably and unlikely to drop much in the near to medium future