GP14 Midland Bell Series Round 2 at Staunton Harold Sailing Club

GP14 Midland Bell Series Round 2 at Staunton Harold © Helen Jacks

GP14 Midland Bell Series Round 2 at Staunton Harold © Helen Jacks

The promise of a reasonable NNE breeze and close racing lured 10 visitors and 6 home boats on to the scenic waters of Staunton Harold Sailing club for the second event in the Midland Bell series 2015.

After the ravages of the wild weather at Chase 3 weeks before, some boats were being hastily re-assembled after necessary repairs even as the first gun went. Race officer Will Moody set an interesting figure of 8 course for race 1, which produced some crowded mark roundings in the early stages, but clean away in front of the various melee's Richard Instone and Jim Toothill (14118) built a commanding lead, followed by Paul Owen (14135) and Rich Bennett (13711) and they finished in that order, but there was plenty of close racing in mid fleet. Race 2 was held back to back with Race 1 and there was now slightly more breeze swinging towards the North so the figure of 8 was reversed, which produced a much closer race with late arrivals Sam Watson and Andy Hunter (14132) pulling ahead, followed by Rich Bennett and Ian Willis (14021). There were now at least 3 boats that could win the event as the lunch break was taken and the first club race went out.

An excellent selection of hot and cold food, cakes and drinks was provided by a strong Galley team, complimenting the well organized racing on the water. With everybody refreshed, Race 3 was set up when a major wind shift, back towards the east, just before the start caused 2 general recalls and the line and course had to be reset. At the third attempt all got away cleanly and a close battle ensued, the lead changing several times on different legs of the course, which included 2 beats and a run the length of the lake to vary the options. Rich Bennett and Emily Cole-Evans (13711) triumphed over Sam Watson and Andy Hunter and thus won the event on count back, both having 3 points net. Richard Instone and Jim Toothill were third overall, Mike and Paul Heaney won the Silver Fleet, and Nick Brandon and Vicky Ford the Bronze. The Staunton Harold GP14 Novice Cup went to Jeremy and Peter Nugent, competing for the first time in a GP14.

The indefatigable Race and Safety teams then put on the second club race to round off the day and 1 of the local GP14s actually took part! All in all a very full and enjoyable day for everybody, thanks to efficient race management and excellent catering.

Overall Results: