Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club GP14 Spring Series Week 2

RNIYC GP14 Spring Series Week 2 © Henry McGarity

RNIYC GP14 Spring Series Week 2 © Henry McGarity

The second weekend of the annual GP14 spring series kicked off with a pleasant 10-12 knots. The eleven boat fleet relished the longer beats set by PRO Gerry Reid and his team, allowing for good tactical racing and plenty of place changing.

Race 1 saw the right hand pay, with Ruan and Natasha O'Tiarniagh round 1st, closely followed by Patrick Hamilton with crew Hana Stolcova. Unfortunately the experienced Ruan O'T didn't keep his eye out for the O flag signalling an Olympic course and he led Patrick on a dead run towards the leeward mark. This gave the lead to Jane Kearney and Becca O'Tiarnaigh with Ross Kearney and Daniel Nelson in close pursuit.

Ross and Dan took the win, Steven Nelson and Martin Weatherstone in 2nd and Patrick and Hana in 3rd.

Race 2 got under way with the fleet working the left of the course, the right side seemed to get slightly more pressure and allowed Ross and Dan to round with a comfortable lead, they managed to hold onto the lead with Steven and Martin with another 2nd and Keith and Matteo Louden in 3rd.

Race 3 saw the breeze become more variable, in strength and direction, with rain clouds building on the far shore, it was difficult to predict.

Ruan and Natasha did so superbly and held a healthy lead right to the finish, Michael Cox and Claire Cromie had a excellent 2nd beat and managed to predict the favoured side of the incoming pressure. They held onto 2nd place with Steven and Martin a very consistent 3rd.

This gave Steven and Martin the daily win, with Ruan and Natasha holding a healthy lead in the overall series.

Thanks again to Gerry and the Race team for braving the cold conditions.