GP14 Open at Budworth Sailing Club

Sunday 1st June 2003

Budworth Sailing Club hosted the fourth GP14 Northern Bell Open Meeting on Sunday 1st June.

Duncan Frazer, as principal race officer, aided by John Chapman and Paul Frazer officiated over a three race format. 25 of Budworth’s club boats and 14 visitor's were greeted by the warmest day in May. The sun shone and wind remained fresh, all be it from not the most ideal direction.

The first race got away first time due to a line shy fleet. Whilst Ian Platt crewed by Chris Jolly from Bolton SC were first to the first mark, Innes Armstrong and Thomas Bennett of Burwain came through to win the race.

For fear of the wind dying, race two proceeded soon after the first race but this time it was John Telford and Andy Smith from Bassenthwaite, who led from start to finish, hotly pursued by Gary Deighan and Dale Knowles of Bolton.

After a sumptuous lunch, and with four boats all on 6 points going into the last race, the competitors went back out for the third and final race of the day. In ever shifting wind conditions laying the line presented huge problems. After a third general recall, Paul Bowmer flying the Budworth flag and showing the greatest consistency of the day, surprised all by port tacking the entire fleet to take the first mark. In testing conditions, Ian Platt came good to overtake Paul Bowmer and win the last race from Paul, securing a win and the overall event.

Across all three fleets, no single club showed dominance. Prizes were spread across visitors and home boats alike, indicating the ferocity of competition and number of opportunities to make good out of one’s sailing skill.

Thanks to generous donations, Mailspeed Marine supplied a number of Crewsaver goodies to ensure widespread awards for the large selection of Gold, Silver and Bronze fleet prizes.

Overall Results: