Weymouth Challenge Cup at Castle Cove Sailing Club

by International 14 GBR media on 12 May 2013 Castle Cove Sailing Club hostied the first of a new 12 race series for International 14s for the Weymouth Challenge Cup this weekend which saw a little piece of sailing history made. Using some of the best sailing waters in the world combined with a beautifully situated and friendly club, the first weekend’s competition did not disappoint.

After an inspirational briefing from Woofy, 9 boats set out into Portland Harbour. The sun was shining which hid the fact that it was gusting 28 knots. Race one started with everyone concentrating on being upright and facing the right way rather than being on the line. Doug Pattison and Mark Tait lead around the first mark. Shortly after the kite hoist their rudder wing came off and they went home. Sam Pascoe and Alex Knight briefly lead before over standing the leeward mark and letting Ben McGrane and James Hughes through. Roger Gilbert and Adam Brushett banged hard right up the next beat to take the win closely followed by Ben and Sam.

Race two started in the same breeze. Sam, Roger and Ben went right up the first beat and came to the windward mark all square, with Glen Truswell and Chris Blackburn coming in from the left slightly in front. Ben had a good run to pass Glen and went on to take a commanding win. Glen capsized on a tack to let Roger and Sam through.

Day two - Race three: With the breeze forecast to build all day we started in single wiring conditions. Glen flew up the first beat and was never seen again. Ben and Doug were going well early on until the breeze picked up to comfortable twin wiring conditions, then Sam came through to take second with Ben a close third

Race four: The breeze had now come into 12 knots. Glen lead around the first mark with Ben hot on his heels and Julian Pearson and Nick Martin close behind. Those 3 got away down the run. Glen and Ben left Julian behind and Ben finally got past Glen when he overlaid the leeward mark. Sam managed to chase down Julian slowly but surely over the next three laps to take third.

Congratulations should be given to the new crew combinations of Andy Peake and Graeme Oliver, Jon McGuire and Andrew Smith and Tom Hill and Tom Watkins who had a baptism of fire on Saturday but were rewarded by their persistence to gain valuable experience in what is a highly competitive fleet.

Final Standings: first Ben McGrane and James Hughes, second Sam Pascoe and Alex Knight, third Roger Gilbert and Adam Brushett

With another eight races to run and discards to kick in after the next event, it is all to play for and it would be a brave person who predicts the eventual winner.

Hope to see you all at the next event on 25 and 26 May.