GP14 Craftinsure Northern Bell Open at Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club
by Graham Knox 28 Apr 06:29 BST
24 April 2022
Tom Daniel and Alice Morris during the Hollingworth Lake GP14 Open © Sandra Walker
When the wind is blowing form the north east at HLSC it usually means challenging racing conditions. So, for the Craftinsure supported Northern Bell Open, it might well have discouraged entries.
Three visiting boats, from Bassenthwaite, Blackpool & Fleetwood and Budworth were ready to compete with two home boats in the F4 winds and some 'white horses' on the Lake.
A year ago, the event saw a battle between Adam McGovern (then crewed by Ellie Davies) of the host club and John and Jack Telford from Bassenthwaite, with McGovern winning. With both present again, who would win? The pairing of father and son in both boats was a great combination.
The first race started with all five finding their way to windward. It was when, downwind, flying spinnakers soon sorted out the lead. Adam McGovern, now crewed by his father, Tim, was a bit more cautious than the Telfords when it came to leeward marks and held off the challenge. Behind, Hugh Devereux and Malcom Bird raced hard against local Tom Daniel and Alice Morris. There was always a chance of a capsize.
After lunch, two races were sailed back-to-back. Hugh Devereux and Malcolm Bird found that they had some equipment failure and felt it was best to withdraw, So four boats started and this time the Telfords gained the lead. Their spinnaker flying gave then greater speed than the McGoverns could maintain and avoid the capsize danger. Gybes were managed with skill. After a capsize, Tom Daniel and Alice Morris gave the opportunity for third place to Adam Chaplin and Wendy Bailey.
The wind may have eased a little for the third race, but the outcome was another win for the Telfords who romped away on the reaches. The McGoverns red spinnaker flew too and Tom Daniel kept upright. It was an exciting day to watch skilful sailing. With tea and cake at the prize-giving, it was thanks to the race team of Nick Brook and Martin Brennan and the very active safety boat team.
Overall Results:
1st John & Jack Telford (Bassenthwaite SC) (2), 1,1
2nd Adam McGovern & Tim McGovern (HLSC 1, (2) 2
3rd Tom Daniel & Alice Morris (HLSC) 3, (4) 3
4th Adam Chaplin & Wendy Bailey (Blackpool & Fleetwood YC) (5), 3, 4
5th Hugh Devereux & Malcolm Bird (Budworth SC) 4, (DNC), DNC