GP14 Northern Bell Open at Royal Windermere Yacht Club

GP14s at Royal Windermere © Richard Rigg / www.lakesweatherpictures.co.uk

GP14s at Royal Windermere © Richard Rigg / www.lakesweatherpictures.co.uk

With the best forecast of wind for the week before and the week after, 13 boats rigged and waited for the wind to appear. There was a good turnout of 8 home boats and 3 boats visiting from Bassenthwaite Sailing Club, one from Burwain Sailing Club and one from Budworth Sailing Club.

After a one hour postponement the boats launched into a light southerly breeze and sailed to the course area in the south lake. Three races were sailed back-to-back using all of the wind available, with everyone enjoying the offer of a tow back in after the last race.

First race sponsored by Impact Marine sails was sailed in an increasing light breeze which saw the teams of Andy Smith and Phil Hodgson battling with Robert Richardson and Steven Wilson for 1st and 2nd followed by John and Jack Telford and then Richard Thompson with Alex Nield.

Second race of the day sponsored by Maiden Maine boat sales and chandlery enjoyed the most wind of the day with Andy and Phil winning comfortably, Robert and steven sailing through the fleet to finish second the Telford father and son team third followed by Hugh Devereux with Malcolm Bird.

Third and final race for the Steve Goacher Gale Force Ale was sailed in a decreasing wind which just managed to stay about until the end of the race. Andy and Phil had done enough but the other places were up for grabs. The Telford's had to win to get second. Robert and Steven made sure of second overall by winning. Followed Hugh and Malcolm who jumped the Telford to third overall by Andy and Phil being third in the last race and the Telford's 4th.

Congratulation to Andy and Phil from Bassenthwaite sailing club in winning the event. Top Windermere boat Robert and Steven Wilson were second overall. Hugh and Malcolm were third overall from Budworth Sailing Club.

The second Windermere boat was Richard Thompson with Alex Nield. The third Windermere boat and sixth overall were Jonathon Nagle with his eight year old son Sebastian crewing.

Overall Results: