GP14 Open at South Staffordshire Sailing Club

Justin Jones/Chris Anderson (13427) battle with Dave Young/Amy Finney (13710) at the South Staffs GP14 Open © Jeremy Jones

For the morning race the wind was a light and very variable southerly which really tested skill and concentration. Andy Hateley crewed by Simon Potts mastered the conditions best pulling out a good lead and they were never caught. Mike Senior crewed by Liz Pugh gave the visitors a good second with Dave Young crewed by Amy Finney third.

For the afternoon race Peter Jacques crewed by Pete Tate picked the best way up the beats with the second windward mark being particularly difficult and finished well ahead with Justin Jones crewed by Chris Anderson second and Paul Owen crewed by Keith Dutton third.

The wind strengthened for the last race with everyone away first time Dave Young got the bit between his teeth and pulled away from the following pack. Paul Owen also pulled away but couldn’t get back to the leader. There was a real battle for third between Justin, Andy and Mike with Dave Pickering crewed by Linda Estaugh working hard to hold their best place of the day. It was not Mike’s day as his spinnaker came away on the downwind leg to the clubhouse. Twice he tried to climb the mast to reattach it but finally capsized.

Dave sailed an impeccable race to cross the line first winning the race with Paul second and Justin third giving South Staffs a clean sweep.

Overall Results: