GP14 open meeting at Skerries Sailing Club

GP14 open meeting at Skerries © David Cooke

Twenty-two brave GP14 sailors took to the chilly waters in Skerries on Saturday shaking off the holiday cobwebs for a fun filled afternoon to celebrate one of the class's legends, Curly Morris, who was celebrating his 75th birthday.

There were three short races pencilled in by Officers of the Day Olive Rooney and Sam Shiels. However, the sailors were so keen they requested a fourth race, as the eleven GPs enjoyed near-perfect conditions with 8-12 knots from the north west providing ideal conditions for sailors who may have been worried about some off-season rust!

Gerbil Owens and Melony Morris showed great form for the start of the season winning all the races in comfortable style, with Curly Morris, Hugh Gill and Michael Cox proving consistent as usual. With boats travelling from both the north and south of Ireland there was fantastic competitiveness with tight racing from start to finish.

All sailors returned to shore for some well-earned drinks and toasties in the clubhouse, which was followed by a meal in one of the restaurants in town.

The afternoon's sailing kicked off an exciting programme ahead for Skerries and the GP14 class. Skerries Sailing Club is due to host the Irish Nationals later this year over the 16,17,18 August. The Nationals will be a great warm up event for the World Championships that are due to be held at the club 25-31 July 2020. Both events we are sure to attract sailors and their families from far and wide in what promises two great regattas.

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