GP14 Midland Bell Open at Chase Sailing Club

GP14 Midland Bell Open at Chase Sailing Club © Charlie Minton

On 25th March 2023, Chase Sailing Club hosted the GP14 Midland Bell Open, which saw sailors from all over the Midlands region and beyond competing in a day of exciting and competitive racing.

The forecasted weather conditions were cold with a NE breeze blowing 10 to 15knts and it didn't disappoint, this provided the race committee with some challenges, but it made for excellent racing conditions, with the sailors taking full advantage of the conditions to demonstrate their skills on the water, especially at the windward mark, that was set to starboard due to the prevailing winds!

The event attracted a total of 17 boats for the first open of the season for the Midland Bell and Chase Sailing Club, with competitors ranging from experienced sailors to those who were new to the GP14.

The first race got under way after a slight delay, the race committee being tested by the wind as there was a shift in the prevailing direction. The wind swung back, and the course was set. All got away without a hitch, Matt Mee and Chris Robinson nailing the start to get clear of the fleet and round the windward mark first, closely followed by local boat sailed by Graham Flynn and Chris Anderson. There was some tight racing throughout the fleet with Matt Mee finishing in first followed by Graham Flynn and Neil Davies in third.

The fleet and the race committee returned to the shore for an excellent warm lunch served by the galley.

GP14 Midland Bell Open at Chase Sailing Club - photo © Charlie Minton

After the lunch break, the fleet was recombined for the afternoon racing, with a further two races taking place back-to-back. The standard of sailing remained high, with a new course set by the race officer Paul Lester using all the marks to really stretch out the fleet. Matt Mee again finished in first after getting past Graham, Graham Flynn was second, with Neil Davies in third.

The third race started after the committee boat had reset, some decided to return to shore and get hot drinks to warm them up, the wind eased in the last race and it was again Graham Flynn and Chris Anderson first to the windward mark, the top two had a close race with Matt Mee eventually getting the better of Graham to take his third bullet of the day, Graham and Chris finished in second with Neil and Michelle taking third.

GP14 Midland Bell Open at Chase Sailing Club - photo © Charlie Minton

After everyone had warmed up, Dave Watkins (Chase Vice Commadore) thanked the fleet and the visitors for a great day's racing. Matt Mee thanked the race committee, galley and the volunteers for an excellent day's racing.

Overall Results: