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Great North Asymmetric Challenge (GNAC) 2021 - Preview

by Paul Allen 27 Aug 2021 20:49 BST 25-26 September 2021
The One Bassenthwaite Lake Sailing Week © Peter Mackin

Sponsored by Cumbrian Legendary Ales, this year's Great North Asymmetric Challenge (known as the GNAC) at Bassenthwaite Sailing Club will be held on 25th and 26th September. A firm favourite for those who like to gybe.

With visitors from eight different sailing clubs already entered, the GNAC is always hotly [dictionary: passionate, intense, or angry!?] contested. Given this year's event is part of the RS200 and RS400 Northern Tour, it's likely the dictionary reference will be accurate.

A multi-class event open to all asymmetric boats, in the past the GNAC has welcomed almost everything from Vareos to asymmetric Vortexes and VX Ones. The event will be an eight race series sailed on windward/leeward courses.

Camping is available on site for tents, caravans and motorhomes. The club will be open from 17:00 on Friday September 24th. The first start will be at 13:00 on Saturday September 25th. Please enter by September 19th at webcollect.org.uk/bass-sc/event/great-north-asymmetric-challenge-2021

Some basic data analysis (making a list) highlights only four different helms have claimed the nine GNAC titles, and the RS400 is mightily dominant in mixed handicap asymmetric racing. Maybe this is the year an asymmetric catamaran can take the title? Or can Catchpole and Coop make it back-to-back wins?

See you on the start line..

Event Winners:

2020 [Covid]
2019 Richard Catchpole & Gary Coop - RS400
2018 Paul & Jude Allen - RS400
2017 Chris Pickles & Matt Sharman - RS400
2016 Chris Pickles & Matt Sharman - RS400
2015 Chris Pickles & Matt Sharman - RS400
2014 Paul & Jude Allen - RS400
2013 Chris Pickles & Matt Sharman - RS400
2012 Joe Pester & Paul Murphy - Laser 3000
2011 Paul & Mike Allen - RS400

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