GP14 Midland Bell Round 4 at Trimpley Sailing Club

Trimpley GP14 Open © Catherine Cliffe

Forecast light winds and cooler weather than of late didn't deter visitors from making the trip to Trimpley Sailing Club in Worcestershire. Set in the Severn Valley, with the river below and steam trains alongside, the club played host to the fourth round of the GP14 Midland Bell series on Saturday 19th June.

In total, five clubs were represented with visitors from Bartley SC, Bassenthwaite SC, Midland SC, and Nantwich and Borders SC. A good turnout from Trimpley SC brought the total to 11 boats on the water.

Trimpley GP14 Open - photo © Catherine Cliffe

With an 11am start for the first race, fortunately the wind, although light, showed up just in time for the start. A congested line and challenging winds resulted in a few gentle collisions, boats over the line and two disqualifications. A steady south-easterly, that built during the day, meant a fairly clean wind direction for the water. Though Trimpley was happy to oblige and throw in a few wind shifts with even the most experienced sailors commenting that the conditions challenged their sailing skills.

It soon became apparent that leadership would be a closely fought battle between the group of gold fleet sailors - John Telford and Jack Telford (Bassenthwaite SC), Chris Martin and John Tailby (Midland SC) and Steve Ward and Mike Acaster (Bartley SC). Though with close racing, and regularly changing positions, the battle behind amongst the silver and bronze fleet sailors was exciting to watch.

Trimpley GP14 Open - photo © Catherine Cliffe

Father and son team of John and Jack Telford seized the victory in the first race, followed closely by Steve Ward and Mike Acaster in second and Chris Martin and John Tailby in third. Lesley Freeman and Andy Blakeway built up a good lead on the rest of the fleet taking a well-deserved fourth place as the only female-helmed team.

With all refreshed, following a lunch break with picnics topped up with delicious and warming samosas, everyone returned to the water for two back-to-back races. A course change had been introduced and everyone was raring to go with a slightly stronger breeze now present. John Telford and Jack Telford again took the first place confirming themselves as the day's winners. Though this time Chris Martin and John Tailby took second place leaving the final race to be the decider for the top three line-up.

Trimpley GP14 Open - photo © Catherine Cliffe

With a helm / crew change for the team from Bassenthwaite for the final race the battle was on between the teams from Bartley and Midland. An exciting race to the end with Chris Martin and John Tailby just getting it and securing their second position for the day and putting Steve Ward and Mike Acaster in third.

Overall, a great day's sailing that saw a mix of elite teams and new pairings on the water. With prizes for first, second and third, as well as first silver fleet (Simon Fletcher and John Cookson Trimpley SC) and first bronze (Dave Beechey and Ian Patterson Trimpley SC) many were sent on their way with a bottle of wine to enjoy at the end of the day. Onwards to the next round of the Midland Bell at The Chase Sailing Club on Sunday 4th July.

Overall Results:

Trimpley GP14 Open - photo © Catherine Cliffe