GP14 Northern Bell Series at Combs Sailing Club

GP14 Northern Bell Series at Combs © Annabelle Coppinger

GP14 Northern Bell Series at Combs © John Saunders

GP14 Northern Bell Series at Combs © John Saunders

It was a bright and blustery day at Combs Sailing Club on Sunday when they hosted their round of the GP14 Northern Bell series. This once popular event has shrunk in recent years which is a shame bearing in mind the spectacular surroundings and excellent organisation. As it was four visitors joined two club boats for three exciting and challenging races.

In race one three boats were judged to be over at the start and had to return. This gave Neil Reid with daughter Rosie, and Lewis Coppinger, crewed by his brother, a clear beat to the first mark. The Coppinger brothers developed a clear lead and looked set to win race one but some over enthusiastic spinnaker work resulting in capsize lost them the lead to Brennan and Knot and main sheet troubles saw them pipped on the line by Thomas and Richardson.

A good lunch was now eaten as competitors looked out at the scudding clouds and irrational gusts.

Race two began with increased wind speed sometimes reaching 28 knots. Upon attempting to hoist his jib Neil Reid found that the tail was no longer attached to the halyard. Repairs meant a missed race. Five boats started and spectators were treated to some impressive marginal kite reaches. GP's are surprisingly sprightly under these conditions! Brennan and Knot won again followed by Thomas and Coppinger.

GP14 Northern Bell Series at Combs - photo © John Saunders

Brennan and Knot sat out race three having already won the day but the Reids rejoined the fray and sailed into third place behind the Coppinger brothers and Thomas and Richardson. Combs sailors Peter Gardner and Alex Bowden disappeared... it was some time before they sailed into view, Peter with wet hair but Miss Bowden still dry. Apparently a tree was involved.

A good day was had by all with Stanley and Scott from West Kirby last but cheerful. Combs Sailing Club would like to thank all competitors for attending.

Overall Results:

1st M Brennan & A Knot (Hollingworth)
2nd L Thomas & L Richarson (Southport)
3rd L Coppinger & Coppinger (Toddbrook)
4th N Reid & R Reid (Combs)
5th P Gardner & A Bowden (Combs)
6th M Stanley & J Scott (West Kirby)