GP14 Scottish Championship at Loch Ryan Sailing Club
by Duncan Greenhalgh 23 Jun 2010 00:59 PDT
19-20 June 2010
Perfect sailing conditions made the drive along the notorious A75 well worthwhile for the GP14 crews who made the trip to fantastic Loch Ryan last weekend for their Scottish Championship.
Located in the far west of Galloway, jutted well out into the Irish Sea, Loch Ryan is a sea loch which provides masses of sheltered water with steady winds. The wind was blowing from the north west, force 3-4, occasionally 5, throughout the weekend and combined with unbroken sunshine to bring plenty of smiles to the sunburnt faces of the sailors.
After strong turnouts at the previous two Scottish Traveller events, it was a disappointing entry of just 13 boats; however the 26 sailors made the most of it with 6 tough races as well as plenty of socialising in celebration of the classes 60th Anniversary. All competitors received a unique crystal glass engraved to commemorate this milestone for the GP14.
The racing was dominated by the formidable combination of current World Champion crew, Andy Tunniclffe and current National Champion crew Chris Robinson. Their impressive boatspeed saw them lead the way in the first 5 races to secure the Championship with a race to spare.
Son and father team, Mark & Duncan Greenhalgh also had a consistent performance scoring second in the first 5 races to finish as runners up.
Behind the leaders, the racing was hotly contested with positions changing throughout the races. Colin Midgely & Neill Smith had the more consistent set of results and just took third place overall ahead of race 6 winners Angus Campbell & Gary Lewis and another son and father team, Donald & Angus Gillies who scored two thirds.
The bronze fleet was won by Hannah Smithson & James Mead and first Masters were Colin Midgley & Neill Smith. Leading lady was Ann Penny with crew Justin Smith and first juniors were home sailors Euan Dewar & Dylan Griffiths who sailed a vintage boat renovated for the event.