GP14 Craftinsure Scottish Championship 2024 at East Lothian Yacht Club

John & Jack Telford win the GP14 Craftinsure Scottish Championship 2024 at East Lothian Yacht Club © Steve Fraser

We were worried that there wouldn't be enough wind on the Saturday, but yet again East Lothian Yacht Club gave us the wind we wanted, and more... lots more.

Our sailing area was between Lamb Island and Craigleith Island, with the tide ebbing both days. Three races were run on the first day in a strong easterly. The tide didn't seem to be noteworthy, but when we came to Sunday and an even stronger wind from the west, the tide caught some of us out at the top mark.

The results don't reflect the ongoing battles. Steve Parry and Dominic Curran in The Old Yellow Boat were always in contact, and even without flying a spinnaker on Sunday, they managed to win a photo finish. The committee boat even gave them a cheer.

John and Jack Telford got in some sea practice for the Worlds in August, and had almost everything their own way, but Paul O'Neill and Paul Foy worked hard to stay ahead of them for a good part of what turned out to be the last race.

There should have been three races on Sunday, but the wind was strong enough that the committee boat anchor wouldn't hold. Valiant efforts were made to set the start line, but by the time the last race was cancelled all of the GP14 fleet had already voted by turning for home, and enjoyed a screaming reach all the way to the harbour.

Robert Skelly and Chris May from Derwent Reservoir were third, Arthur Logan and Iain Hardy from Castle Semple were runners up, and John and Jack Telford from Bassenthwaite were the winners.

On behalf of all of the 134 boats competing in the regatta, John gave a well-deserved vote of thanks to East Lothian Yacht Club and all of their hard working volunteers.

For some light relief, see the mark rounding antics at flic.kr/p/2pVciSp with thanks to Steve Fraser.

Overall Results: