GP14 Midland Area event at Trimpley Sailing Club

GP14 Midland Area event at Trimpley © Allison Blakeway

The day was forecast to be extremely hot, 30 degrees Celsius plus, with light winds. Club organisers had identified likely risks associated with the heat and had planned measures to mitigate any risk of heat/sun stroke to sailors and supporting duty crew.

The fleet was well supported by home club sailors and boosted by four visiting boats and crews from Nantwich, South Staffs, Hunts, and Staunton Harrold sailing clubs.

The wind was from a favourable easterly direction, giving some consistency along the length of the reservoir, not a common occurrence at Trimpley. Following an introduction and welcome from Commodore Allison Blakeway, Race Officer Andrew Allan gave the briefing, setting a simple three mark course, with a downwind gybe mark close to the water tower.

The first race started promptly,the fleet crossing the start line cleanly, heading towards the first mark. The lead boats of Goodhead/Keith and Thoms/Frost soon established a lead and in contention for third place on the first beat was a Trimpley boat helmed by Brian Boardman, with Charles Saunders (Staunton Harrold) as crew.

Unfortunately due to technical difficulties they were unable to sustain this position, and fell back down the fleet. Oliver Goodhead and Katie Keith maintained their early lead to cross the finish line first, Peter Thoms and Dawn Frost second, and Tom Fletcher and Hannah Rose third.

GP14 Midland Area event at Trimpley - photo © Sue Webb

The boats moored on the pontoon and headed ashore for an al fresco lunch with family and friends under the shade of the Oak tree. Race Officer Andrew Allan, keen to start the second race promptly, eventually conceded to a delay of 15 minutes for pudding to be consumed and digested.

Again race 2, was a clean start by all sailors, the course remained as race 1. By now some strong gusts were building along the reservoir, eventually capsizing home sailors Lesley Freeman and Sue Webb, who were slow to respond to the sudden change in conditions.

Ollie Goodhead and Katie Keith sailed cleanly in the conditions extending their early lead, to claim a second victory, followed by Tom Fletcher and Hannah Rose second place, with Peter Thoms and Dawn Frost third.

Ollie Goodhead and Katie Keith (at the gybe mark), overall winners - GP14 Midland Area event at Trimpley - photo © Simon Yeomans

After a short break to rehydrate and seek temporary shade, race 3 was under way, sailing the established course. The wind was easing by now, leaving the windward mark in the shadow of the trees at the easterly side of the reservoir, further delaying those at the rear of the fleet.

Ollie Goodhead and Katie Keith claimed their third victory of the day, with Tom Fletcher and Hannah Rose claiming second again. Peter Thoms and Dawn Frost third.

Tom Fletcher and Hannah Rose, second overall - GP14 Midland Area event at Trimpley - photo © Simon Yeomans

A set of engraved glasses and a cash prize were awarded to the overall winners Oliver Goodhead and Katie Keith from South Staffordshire sailing club. Second overall went to Tom Fletcher and Hannah, of Oxford SC, while third place overall were Peter Thoms and Dawn Frost from Nantwich SC.

Worthy of mention in the Commodores review was fourth place, and first placed Trimpley boat, sailed by Simon Fletcher and Charis Bird, this being Charis's first Open event, having only completed her RYA level 1 a few weeks ago.

Two other sailors, father and son Warrick and Dylan Pannell also completed their first open event, Dylan (aged 7), completing his RYA stage 1 a few weeks ago.

In the 75th year of the GP14 dinghy, we were pleased to welcome Richard Binns and Emma Naden sailing number 7, one of the very earliest GP14s built, which Richard had recently renovated. They proceeded to demonstrate that GP14 dinghies can remain competitive throughout their life, due to the sustainability of the design and oversight of the class association to ensure adherence to class design rules.

Richard Binns and Emma Naden sailing number 7 - GP14 Midland Area event at Trimpley - photo © Simon Yeomans

Overall Results: