GP14 Open at Nantwich & Border Counties Sailing Club

• Wind: NW/NNW force 3-4
• A clear sunny day with a cold wind.
• 17 boats sailed, 9 Nantwich boats and 8 visitors.

All boats made a clean start with former Nantwich members Mat Birks with Alan Jones (RYA) first to the windward mark, closely followed by Richard Instone with Jim Toothill (Blithfield), Sam Watson with Andy Hunter (Nantwich and South Staffs) and Peter Jacques with P Tate (Chase). Instone pulled through on the downwind legs to create a clear lead with the others close together. As they rounded the mark to start the last lap, Instone was still in front with Watson and Jacques chasing hard. In the end Watson got past Instone to win, with the team of Steve and Jack Bennett (Shustoke) third, Birks fourth and Jacques fifth.

Race 2

After lunch there was some contention, with a number of boats still at the jetty at the prep signal, including Watson. After another clean start, Birks was first again to the windward mark followed by Watson, Instone and Bennett. Watson was soon in front and extended his lead with a group of boats fighting for the next five places. In the end Watson crossed the line in front but fell foul to rule 45, so it was Instone, Jacques and Bennett claiming the points.

Race 3

Race three was the decider as Watson and Instone both had a win in the bag. The fleet got away cleanly again, with Bennett in front at the first mark, followed by Watson, Instone and Birks. Watson pulled through in the gusty conditions but challenged right to the end. After some close racing, Watson crossed the line first followed by Bennett and Instone.

Overall Results: (top five)

1st Sam Watson and Andy Hunter (Nantwich and South Staffs)
2nd Richard Instone and Jim Toothill (Blithfield)
3rd Steve and Jack Bennett (Shustoke)
4th Peter Jacques and P Tate (Chase)
5th Mat Birks and Alan Jones (RYA)

I would like to say a big thank-you for a great day to all visitors, club members and helpers.