International 14 Gallon Trophy at Itchenor Sailing Club
by Ed FitzGerald 14 Jul 2021 18:24 BST
11 July 2021
International 14 Gallon Trophy at Itchenor © Chris Hatton
As one of the last events before the Nationals, the Gallon this Saturday was one of last times to get the 14 fleet together and lay down some markers before what promises to be a great nationals in Tynemouth. This is the second most prestigious event of the national calendar (only behind the POW cup) and is a single race across the entirety of Chichester Harbour.
With a light south easterly breeze and incoming tide it looked like it was going to be a tense, tricky day for the fleet. With such a great turnout providing lots of boats on the start line it caused even some of the most experienced heads to get caught out. Most notably one of favourites Glen & Ed got caught out the wrong side of the committee boat going backwards at the start gun, not good for their hopes.
The rest of the fleet got a clean start and set off on the tour of Chichester Harbour. It was the reining world champions Archie Massey & Harvey Hillary that made it to the top mark first and led the fleet round. Returning after a couple of years away from the fleet Douglas & Mark followed in second. At this point the fleet split, almost everyone two sail reaching across the top of the course, but Archie & Harvey went all guns blazing popping the kite and storming off to the low route.
Reaching the leeward mark in the depths of the Emsworth channel Archie & Harvey held their first place. They were followed by the quartet of Andy & Rob, Dan & Alex, Douglas & Mark and the charging Glen & Ed all desperate to mount a challenge to Archie & Harvey.
From this point it was a tooth a nail fight between this quartet which, unfortunately for them, allowed Archie & Harvey to loosely cover while keeping their powder dry for another day.
In the end despite a late charge down the Gallon reach into Itchenor by Glen & Ed, it was a well sailed win for Archie & Harvey with Glen & Ed in second, Douglas & Mark third, Dan & Alex fourth and Andy & Rob fifth.
If this race was anything to go by its going to be a titanic battle for the money spots at this year's nationals, we can't wait!
Overall Results: (top three)
1st Archie and Harvey
2nd Glenn and Ed
3rd Douglas and Mark