Ripe Craftinsure GP14 National Championship 2025 at Tenby Sailing Club - Day 3

After storm Floris had kept the fleet ashore on Monday, allowing for trips to chandleries and boat repairs for some, thers explored the town of Tenby and, once the sun came out, played games on the beach. The class joined together at the sailing club in the evening for an excellent tapas meal, AGM and interfleet quiz hosted by Terry (Tenby SC). The quiz raised almost £150 for the local RNLI station.

Tuesday's weather was sunny and breezy as the tail end of storm Floris was still blowing, whilst all the GP14's went to the beach; three of them decided to remain on shore. The rest set off to the race area. Three more boats sailed out to the race area but returned to shore without racing.

Jon and Seb Nagle on day 3 of the Ripe Craftinsure GP14 National Championship at Tenby - photo © Richard Craig / www.SailPics.co.uk

Races 3, sponsored by P&B and Race 4 sponsored by Robline, were contested in a solid 20-knot north-westerly breeze. Despite a relatively flat sea state, the offshore wind brought with it frequent shifts, offering plenty of opportunities for gains on the upwind legs.

In Race 3 (P&B), Jasper Barnham and Graham Sexton (Snettisham Beach SC) capitalised early, building a commanding lead to take a convincing win. Behind them, Fergus Barnham and Ellie Devereux (Snettisham Beach SC / Budworth SC) secured second, while John Hayes and Joel James (RYA / Southport SC) continued their run of consistent form to take third.

Ripe Craftinsure GP14 National Championship at Tenby day 3 - photo © Richard Craig / www.SailPics.co.uk

Race 4 followed a similar pattern, with close tactical racing throughout. This time, it was Fergus and Ellie who timed their move perfectly, establishing an inside overlap just before the final leeward mark to round ahead and snatch victory from Jasper and Graham. Once again, John Hayes and Joel James maintained their consistent performance with another solid third-place finish.

The safety boats were kept busy and our thanks go to them for returning our sailors and their boats to shore safely.

Liam Dempsey and Paddy Lambton on day 3 of the Ripe Craftinsure GP14 National Championship at Tenby - photo © Richard Craig / www.SailPics.co.uk

After four races and the first discard kicking in; Oli Hale and Harry Shaw (Poole YC/Southampton SC) remain at the top of the overall standings, with John Hayes and Joel James close behind in second. Jasper Barnham and Graham Sexton move up into third, rounding out the provisional podium.

Many thanks to our sponsors: Craftinsure, Musto, Robline, FMSailing, Impact Marine, Goacher Sails, Clamcleats, Paintcraft, Sailpics, Dinghy Shack, Rooster

Fergus Barnham and Ellie Devereux on day 3 of the Ripe Craftinsure GP14 National Championship at Tenby - photo © Richard Craig / www.SailPics.co.uk

The fleet returned to safely to shore some smiling, others showing that they had been for a swim; to post race snacks sponsored by Paintcraft and Nestle. Once the competitors had dried out, they returned to the club house for another fabulous meal. This BBQ was prepared by the multi-talented quiz master and Beach master, Terry, followed by evening prize-giving and dancing.

Race Bibs:

1st place - Harry and Oli
2nd place - John Hayes and Joel James
3rd place -Jasper Barnham and Graham Sexton
Leading Juniors - Matthew and Fin
Leading Ladies - Jennifer Bryce and Vivika Timmer
Leading mixed - Fergus and Ellie

Fin Waterhouse and Matt Baird on day 3 of the Ripe Craftinsure GP14 National Championship at Tenby - photo © Richard Craig / www.SailPics.co.uk

Results after Day 3: