GP14 National Championships at Largs Sailing Club - Day 2

GP14 nationals at Largs day 2 © Alan Henderson / www.fotoboat.com

GP14 nationals at Largs day 2 © Richard Craig / www.SailPics.co.uk

Well the forecast was wrong – simples. No way was that lighter winds than yesterday out on the Firth of Clyde. As the fleet made their way out to the racing area, there were ominous signs that the wind was going to increase; huge cloudbursts to the north of the sailing area suggested similar conditions were going to be experienced by the 46 strong fleet, as well as the odd fleck or two of white water that was starting to become pronounced on the choppy waves that were coming from the west as the boats made their way out from the lee of Great Cumbrae Island.

Race 2, sponsored by Ginger Boats. By the time that last of the launchers had got to the racing area, the OOD had had the postponement pennant flying for a good ten minutes – whether he will be as generous on Tuesday will be interesting to see. A pin end bias in the by now gusting 5 breeze saw the fleet get away without too much hassle, only Flag X being raised suggesting the fleet did not want to wait around for yet another recall in the building swell. Who was over?? I didn't see anyone go back. Up there with the big boys in this race were Steve Graham & Lee Tennant, nailing the start and keeping pace with the usual suspects, Ian Dobson and Tom Gillard. The reach down to the wingmark on the first triangle was poptastic sailing, the angle set by the mark layers perfect for making the most of the swell and breeze that seemed to be building. For the first time on the sea, I was able to see the downwind speed of Ian & Andy – it's a sight you've got to see to believe; by the end of the two kite legs, they'd taken over 200 yds on Sarah & I. Needless to say, they went on to win that race, Tom Gillard crewed by Tim Hartley taking second from Steve & Lee in third, holding off Mike & Liz Senior. Leading the Silvers home were again Ed Dutton & Rich Hales collecting their second 10th of the regatta, Brian Willis & Davis McFarland top Bronze with their second 17th of the week.

A twenty minute pause to allow all to catch their breath & recarbohydrate themselves and the second race of the day, again sponsored by GingerBoats, was underway. The pin-end had been dropped resulting in a busier committee boat end but a clear start for all. This tactic of the OD's to get us to want to get away clean was working! Again at the windward mark it was Dobson, Gillard, MacCarthy & Senior all arriving together, all getting their kites up for the screaming reach towards the south. Again Sarah & I were there to watch them sail away from us after pretty much pegging them up the beat. How they make so much ground off wind is quite magical!

It was at the end of the run that Dobson & Tunnicliffe had their first wobble of the event – literally. Approaching the leeward mark at the end of the run, Gillard & Hartley came in at a tighter angle creating a gybe duel in the by now force 5. Dobson almost followed Colin Midgley's deathroll antics from yesterday, just about keeping it upright. Gillard though had dropped his kite early and was able to make a clean rounding, whilst Tunnicliffe was taking his royal blue kite down as his helm was starting the beat.

It was the Seniors who next caused grief for the current event leaders, this time at the windward mark. Dobson had just undercooked his layline approach, leading to some sharp tacks well inside the three boat lengths. Both MacCarthy and Senior nailed him, leading to penalty turns dropping Dobson to fourth. He was on a mission, knowing Gillard was sailing away to victory it was paramount that Dobson clawed his way back to at least third. With their downwind speed, it was certainly achievable, the results will show that they took that third place behind Gillard/Hartley and the Seniors.

Lead Silver were once again Ed & Rich although they had their first result in the high teens, behind lead Bronze on the water of Willis/McFarland. With three races gone a quick review of the fleet allocations may ultimately change the disk holders as the regatta goes in to its third day. The forecast for Tuesday looks lighter; however I've been here before!

The photos for day 2 are courtesy of www.sailpics.co.uk. These again will be available for purchase during the week at Largs. Can I also reiterate the fleets thanks to the sponsors of this week's event Gul Watersports, Boon, Creation Covers, HD, GingerBoats, Goachers, English Braid, Allen Brothers and Tunnocks.

GP14 nationals at Largs day 2 - photo © Richard Craig / www.SailPics.co.uk

Results after Day 2: (three races)

GP14 nationals at Largs day 2 - photo © Alan Henderson / www.fotoboat.com

More information at scottishsailinginstitute.com/events/gp14-national-championships-2013