GP14 Midland Bell Series at Midland Sailing Club
by Mike Homer 8 Jul 09:53 BST
28 June 2026
Mike and Alex Homer, overall winners - GP14 Midland Bell Series at Midland SC © Mark McKeever
The forecast promised a consistent south westerly wind, at between 12 to 18 knots with dry and sunny intervals punctuating the cloudy conditions and this set the scene for a potentially great day's sailing at Midland Sailing Club who were hosting this year's 5th edition of the GP14 Midland Bell Series at Edgbaston Reservoir in Birmingham, alongside the Enterprise fleet contesting their Double Chine Series.
Whilst the fleet rigged their boats, Officer of the Day, Steve Watson deliberated with the race team for a short time before determining that the club's standard course for the south westerly wind direction would be just perfect.
Fortified with a delicious bacon sandwich, tea and coffee the four entries received Steve's entertaining race briefing with the first two races back-to-back and the third race after lunch. The four contenders then set about launching in blustery force 4 conditions. This persuaded Pete and Sue to let 'discretion be the better part of valour' and sensibly retired to watch the entertainment from the club house with a nice cup of tea.
Race 1 - course 5, 6, 2, 4 & 1
The line was set square and long enough to offer plenty of space for the three remaining GP14's to select their preferred starting position having just watched the Enterprise fleet set off before them. The first beat proved crucial as Mike and Alex Homer rounded in first place closely followed by Dave Williams and Rich Moss and then Keith Buddon and Charles Saunders. Spinnakers popped and a tricky sail to the gybe mark ensued with the burgee occasionally spinning through 360 degrees if you sailed too close to the shore! Mike and Alex decisively chose to stand on after the mark before gybing with a better downwind angle into the leeward mark which allowed them to extend their lead and hold on to the finish. With some place changes from the boats behind, Dave and Rich came home just ahead of Keith and Charles.
Race 2 - course 5, 6, 2, 4 & 1
As the second race started it was clear that a level of judgement would be required as the Enterprise fleet were obviously moving quicker than the first race and were reaching across the reservoir on the plane as the GP14's crossed on Starboard as they made their way up the first beat. Mike and Alex chose to sail a little freer and threaded the needle between the third and fourth placed Enterprises whilst Dave and Rich and Keith and Charles elected to remain close hauled and pass behind the main group of planning boats. Mike and Alex were then able to get a lift into the windward mark which set them up for another commanding sail provided they could stay upright in the shifts and during some exhilarating three sail reaches. Ultimately, they won out taking their second bullet with Dave and Rich second and Keith and Charles third.
On shore, the warmth of the sun was more pronounced as the fleet tucked into ham and cheese salad roles, rehydrating and generally taking a well-earned breather before heading back on the water for the third and final race.
Race 3 - course 6, 2, 5, 4 & 1
The wind direction had moved a few degrees over lunch which led to a course change from the OD. The race team set another square line offering plenty of choice for the three GP's who vied for position up the first beat. Mike and Alex tacked for the shore and then lifted nicely into the windward mark ready to hoist the spinnaker and plane down to the leeward mark in good breeze. The boats behind were not quite so lucky and once again battled it out for the rest of the race. Mike and Alex took their third win whilst, at the penultimate mark Dave and Rich, who were comfortably in second place, were hit by a huge wind shift from the side forcing the spinnaker to drag the boat over onto it's side and allowed Keith and Charles through to take second place.
Exhausted, everyone returned to shore to pack away and take stock of their bumps and bruises.
In the club bar, Commodore Mark McKeever presented the prizes to a happy group of sailors who have capitalised on obtaining good finishing positions in a small fleet to count towards their final series score in the Midland Bell. A delighted Mike and Alex taking their first ever open meeting win, thanked the club and fellow competitors for a terrific day's sailing.
The next event is on Saturday 11th July at Trimpley SC, who are pulling out all the stops to make it a memorable occasion set beside the picturesque Severn Valley Railway. A sense of nostalgia provides a backdrop as steam trains trundling past the lake, as the racing takes place. It promises to be well worth booking your place through the club website.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Sail No | Helm | Crew | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 | Net |
|---|
| 1 | 13204 | Mike Homer | Alex Homer | Midland | ‑1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2 | 3611 | Dave Williams | Rich Moss | Winford Flash | 2 | 2 | ‑3 | 4 |
| 3 | 13263 | Keith Buddon | Charles Saunders | Trimpley | ‑3 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| 4 | 12904 | Pete Storey | Sue Burton | Midland | DNC | DNC | ‑ | ‑ |