Please select your home edition
Edition
Savvy Navvy 2024

GP14 Leinster Championships at the Volvo Dun Laoghiare Regatta

by Conor Twohig 13 Jul 2023 05:16 UTC 6-9 July 2023

Despite ominous weather predictions, the GP14 Ireland 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 under way 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 1st silver fleet and 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.

Related Articles

GP14 Northern Bell Finale at Windermere
A beautiful but foggy start to the day The last event of the Northern Bell GP14 circuit was held at the Royal Windermere Yacht Club on the 19th of October. Posted on 28 Oct
GP14 Hot Toddy at Lough Erne
34 team undeterred by the warnings of Storm Ashley 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. Posted on 22 Oct
GP14 Masters Championship at Welsh Harp
19 competitive boats face challenging conditions The GP14 Masters, held over the weekend of 5th & 6th October at Welsh Harp Sailing Club, brought together 19 competitive boats facing challenging conditions that tested both skill and strategy. Posted on 15 Oct
GP14s at Hampton
Launching much improved by the club's new pontoon bridge and slipway Promising forecasts earlier in the week for a good easterly breeze and some sun changed somewhat on race day at Hampton SC on the River Thames. As it transpired the wind was very light until late in the afternoon and skies were grey. Posted on 8 Oct
The oldest footage of GP14 sailing
A look back into our video archive, which yields mainly 1960s material Here we look at early racing and cruising in the GP14 class. We have footage from 1964 to 1985 for you to enjoy looking back at the old technology, wonderful clothing, and excellent haircuts. Posted on 29 Sep
Full story of the West Lancs 24-Hour Dinghy Race
A remarkable contest / the races within the race The WLYC 24 Hour Race made its return to the yachting calendar with a bang after an over-long break. The healthy entry of 51 clubs sailing Enterprises and GP14s had more than a smattering of star sailors vying for the prizes. Posted on 26 Sep
West Lancs 24-Hour Dinghy Race
Southport's iconic event concludes with thrilling finish The 53rd West Lancashire Yacht Club (WLYC) 24-Hour Dinghy Race came to a spectacular close on Sunday, with Budworth Sailing Club (SC) claiming victory after 24 hours of sailing non-stop on the Marine Lake in Southport. Posted on 23 Sep
Iconic WLYC 24 Hour Race returns this weekend
The much-loved West Lancashire YC event at Southport Marine Lake is back after a 5 year break! The WLYC 24 Hour Race - dinghy sailing's premier endurance race - is back! Under the burgee of West Lancashire Yacht Club (WLYC), this much-loved event will be returning this weekend, marking the 53rd edition of the race on the Marine Lake in Southport. Posted on 17 Sep
2024 GP14 Worlds at Pwllheli Overall
A very mixed week of conditions for the 85 boat fleet After a very mixed week of conditions where the weather gods threw either too much wind or too little, the 85 boat entered the final day hoping for two races to allow the second discard kick in. Posted on 17 Aug
GP14 Bell Trophy at Poole
The weather gods appeared keen to show off their powers by treating visitors to everything This event is unique to Poole Yacht Club consisting of two races around the harbour islands on Saturday and a conventional open meeting on the Sunday with four races around the cans. It was well attended with 19 GP14s including 12 visitors. Posted on 23 Jul
Savvy Navvy 2024Maritimo 2023 S-Series FOOTER