Virtual Rigger GP14 Open at Budworth Sailing Club

GP14's at Budworth © Ellie Devereux

GP14's at Budworth © Ellie Devereux

It is always interesting watching the weather forecasts in the run up to an event... The week saw the usual swing but in the end Budworth provided shifty Southerly, Westerly, Northerly and occasionally Easterly winds. To be honest you started a leg of the race and just hoped that the wind would retain its approximate direction +/- 45° before you reached the other mark.. Well that's pond sailing for you on light wind days.

An excellent turn out of GP's from Budworth and sailors from Chase, Hollingworth, Burwain and Bolton all joined the throng, to compete for a great range of prizes provided by event sponsor Virtual Rigger. The race team of Russ and Ali started the day by setting a course with a beat to the south, and at the time a good 5 – 6 knots was in place. However before the start, the postponement flag was hoisted as the wind died. Sailing is a game of waiting and before long the wind came back in and a new line was set. First out of the blocks was Bill Kenyon and Andy Dawson from Budworth, with Martin Brennan from Hollingworth lake hot on their heels. It was a day for getting and keeping clear air and spotting where the wind was going to be...

The fleet made a pretty picture sailing towards the second mark, spinnakers flying.

Bill and Andy got clean away and took the bullet for the first race. As the wind died again we returned to shore for lunch. The wind tooks it time to fill in again and so there was a good deal of inspecting of boats going on ashore, with the Boon boats and fit outs being given guided tours...

The second race got under way with a lot of clambering around the starboard end of the line... and a number of boats going round again.. This time it was John Booth and Gill Kenyon from Budworth who took the lead to the first mark, but race leader swapped to any one of 4 boats. However 15 minutes later on lap2 it had all changed and Martin Brennan had broken into first place with Gary and Nicola Dewhurst from Burwain challenging in 2nd place and Peter Jaques and Peter Tate from Chase in 3rd. These positions then held through to the finish.

The final race started as a better breeze kicked in. Martin Brennan was early on the line and post the start gun was heard to acknowledge the gentlemanly behaviour from behind in not pushing him over.. Such a pleasant class the GP's. Peter Jaques and Peter Tate led to the first mark and maintained that lead for the majority of the race, only being pipped on the last leg of the course by Martin and Alistair. Come mark 2 there was a lot of the silver fleet boats all approaching at once. Ray and Jackie Bailey spotted this early and scarpered around the top of the fleet, taking a huge diversion, which payed off rounding ahead of the rest of the silver fleet. Calls of "room for 4 or is it 5" were heard. Some, who will remain nameless, didn't pay much attention and attempted to make room.. Each leg saw some pull away only to be hauled back in as the next gust came through. Special mention goes to Finlay Waterhouse, who at the age of 7 was helming his Dad's GP – "Gadget". On the last fetch to the finish, Finlay saw the chance as a gust came and sailed straight past two boats at flying speed, there was definitely a weight advantage in the acceleration, but still a skilful finish in spotting and using the gust.

At the end of the event Martin and Alistair from Hollingworth Lake won the day with a second and two firsts. Coming a close second was Bill and Andy from Budworth with Peter Jacques and Peter Tate in 3rd.

Prize List:

1st Martin Brennan, Alistair Knott – Holingworth Lake SC
2nd Bill Kenyon, Andy Dawson – Budworth SC
3rd Peter Jacques, Peter Tate – Chase SC

Silver Fleet
1st Katie Guess, Mhairi Gass – Budworth SC (Also First Lady Helm)
2nd Julie Waddington, Chris Waddington – Bolton SC

Youngest Sailor / First Youth
Finlay Waterhouse – Budworth SC

A special thank you to our sponsors, Virtual Rigger – your on-site and online chandlery.

Overall Results: