GP14 UK Masters Championship Open at Chelmarsh Sailing Club
by David Thursfield 17 Jun 2014 17:00 BST
7-8 June 2014
GP14 Masters at Chelmarsh © Terry Gumbley
The event was held at Chelmarsh Sailing Club on their picturesque 110 acre reservoir near Bridgnorth, Shropshire. First day light winds and for those travelling on the day, crashing thunder and lightening, did not deter the 17 boats which formed a highly competitive Championship fleet.
Following a postponement,of around an hour, Race 1 was started in such winds but without drama. GP14021, sailed by Ian Willis and Sam Blocksidge of South Staffs, took first, with GP14155, Graham Flynn and Adam Froggatt of Chase taking second and GP14051, Chris's Beddow and Cook of South Staffs. Coming in 3rd.
Race 2, also 'in the light stuff', was taken by Flynn & Froggat. Second and third places in this race went to GP14118 sailed by Richard Instone and Jim Toothill of Blithfield and the Chelmarsh 'home team' of Jonathan Carter and Gareth Wilkinson sailing GP14112, respectively.
There followed a carnivorous BBQ dinner and bar banter on the balcony in barmy sunshine
Day 2 saw racing in 10 – 12 knot conditions. Starting on schedule, race 3 saw victory again to Instone & Toothill with GP14157 sailed by Justin Jones and Chris Anderson of South Staffs second and Carter & Wilkinson repeating their third position.
The final race in similar conditions, held back to back with race 3, again saw Willis & Blocksidge winning with Instone & Toothill taking second and Jones & Anderson taking third.
The overnight leaders, Flynn & Froggat, did not sail the second day due to delayed arrival from a competing family commitment.
Overall Results:
2014 Masters - Richard Instone and Jim Toothill
2014 Great Grand Masters - Ian Willis and Sam Blocksedge
2014 Grand Masters - Terry Edwards and Darren Heath (South Stafffs SC)
The tonne up (helm & crew 100+ - Stephen Cooper and Helen Allen (Welsh Harp SC)
First Lady helm & Crew - Ann Penny and Sara O'Neil (Derwent SC)
Members of Chelmarsh SC were pleased to be asked to host this event and the winners complemented the Club on their friendly reception and efficient race management.