GP14 Youth National Championship at Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club

GP14 Youth Nationals at Hollingworth Lake © Ed Washington

GP14 Youth Nationals at Hollingworth Lake © Ed Washington

Young sailors (under 21) came to Hollingworth Lake SC for their Youth Championship to face some challenging conditions and, for many, to test their capsizing drill. The event received generous support from Craftinsure, plus Winder Boats and 1st Mark Chandlery. The entry of 12 boats competed in strengthening winds on Saturday and more benign conditions on Sunday. When the event was last held at the Club in 2004, the overall winner was the Club's Olympian sailor Stuart Bithell, who sent a video message of good luck to the competitors.

Peter Mackin and Sam Platt (Bolton SC) dominated the event overall, having been better able to cope with the gusty conditions on Saturday. However, Megan Hicklin and Rich Booth (South Staffs SC) deserve credit not only for Sunday's wins but also being early leaders in 2 of Saturday's races before succumbing to downwind capsizes. PRO Martin Brennan and his team made full use of the Lake with 3 windward legs and great downwind opportunities.

The first race started in a moderate SW wind and, from the first mark, Mackin was chased by Hicklin until a capsize on the second downwind leg. This gave Mackin the opportunity to establish a clear lead which he held to the finish. Nick & Ellie Devereux (Budworth SC) were chasing hard and held second place with Robert Richardson & Steve Wilson (Royal Windermere YC) taking third.

After a lunch break, two races were sailed back-to-back. Hicklin had the best of the start and used the shifts on the first leg to her advantage. Mackin overtook downwind but then had to work hard to keep Devereux and Hicklin behind. On the second lap, Hicklin again capsized. Meanwhile Lewis and Harrison Coppinger (South Staffs SC) were better able to plane down the reaches with spinnaker set and so passed Devereux to finish second. Only 6 boats finished this race.

With the wind strength increasing, there were 9 boats prepared to start the third race. Again Hicklin had the best of the first leg but capsized on a fast spinnaker reach. Mackin was able to control his boat and stay upright. Few dared to fly spinnakers as capsizes were the likely outcome and the race was shortened to a single lap. The Devereuxs were able to hold on for second place and third place was taken by Ben Swainson and Ciaran McKettrick (Southport SC)., who had not survived the previous 2 races. So there were 6 boats finishing once more.

GP14 Youth Nationals at Hollingworth Lake - photo © Ed Washington

The usual social evening and meal gave relaxtion time to watch some of the photos taken during the racing.

Sunday dawned bright and a better westerly wind gave more suitable conditions. Megan Hicklin & Rich Booth quickly gained the early lead and this time were not to be denied the win. Behind, Devereux and Mackin battled, which added to the advantage. In the end Mackin's determination won through for second place. The Coppingers gained most places after the first lap to follow in fourth.

The final race was sailed back-to-back again. Megan Hicklin was now getting used to the best pattern to take the lead and was not going to be denied another win. There was much closer competition behind this time and Mackin was up against a group of boats. The Devereuxs were up against the Coppingers who were by now gaining most on the upwind legs and took third place.

Victory for Peter Mackin and Sam Platt was clear with a discarded second place. Nick and Ellie Devereux sailed very consistently into second overall, with the Coppingers in third overall. Credit must go to Megan Hicklin and Rich Booth finishing fourth overall, while counting a retirement.

Peter Mackin & Sam Platt (pictured with HLSC Commodore Sally Townend) win the GP14 Youth Nationals at Hollingworth Lake - photo © Ed Washington

Everyone went away happy with a prize thanks to the sponsors.

Overall Results: