GP14 Open at Chase Sailing Club

Chase GP14 Open © Beth Tate

Chase GP14 Open © Beth Tate

Chase Sailing Club welcomed six visitors and six home boats to its first open meeting in over 12 months. The sailors were granted by a nice steady southerly breeze straight up the pool, providing ideal conditions to which the race officer immediately cursed at the briefing!

After a smattering of bacon & sausage sandwiches, the fleet headed out for the first race.

The good steady breeze held for the start of the first race, with the fleet getting off the line with the exception of John/Jack, who came back to fight up to 8th. Up the front a battle was developing between the top 5 which eventually spreading on the 2nd lap, when a windshift caught out Rob/Pete, and allowed Callum/Isabel to slide past both them and Darrell/Charles to grab 3rd place over all. The top 2 were fighting it out 2 with Ben/Josh leading most the race until Fergus/Liz were able to over throw them to take the overall victory.

Further down the fleet, there was close racing with places changing constantly, with Dave/Fin being best of the rest.

After a brief (and very wet) lunch break, the fleet were sent back out on the to the water for race 2, with the storm clouds looming!

Again the wind held steady, albeit lighter, with the fleet getting away cleanly under the U flag. For the first lap, Ben/Josh took a commanding lead over the fleet. With wind dying to almost nothing for around 15 mins, this allowed the fleet to bunch up heading in to lap 2.

With Ben/Josh leading down the run, the fleet rounded the windward mark, followed by a good old squall, which sent the fleet planning down the run with a few casualties along the way.

By now the fleet had caught up to Ben/Josh and a tight battle up the last beat, they lost out by the smallest of margins to John/Jack being followed by Neil/Hannah shortly after to take a well earned 3rd place.

A massive well done should also be said for Dave/Ian for finishing the race whilst bailing out there boat.

With the rain worsening and flashes of lightning the fleet was sent ashore, while it all blew over.

After a brief interlude the fleet launched again, in to what would be a dying breeze which turned to nothing and racing was canned for the day.

When the results came in it was Ben/Josh taking the overall victory, followed closely by Fergus/Liz and John/Jack, with 1st Silver going to Neil/Hannah & a very well earned 1st Bronze to Callum (aged 15!)/Isabel.

Thanks to all who came and endured the inclement weather, we promise for better next year!

P.S. It's coming home.

Overall Results:

Chase GP14 Open - photo © Beth Tate