International 14s at the 2022 Weymouth Skiff Open
by Ed FitzGerald 27 May 2022 05:17 BST
21-22 May 2022
Ten International Fourteens travelled to Portland for the 2022 Skiff Open. The two-day event joined together Musto Skiffs, B14's, Cherubs and I14's, providing a great opportunity for the 14 to show what it could do. This was also the first opportunity of the year to get the fleet on a big course so that true pace could be gauged ahead the Nationals in a couple of weeks time.
With day two looking iffy on breeze, the race officer (wisely) changed the plan for day one and signalled his intention for 4 races. With a gently building 8 knots it was set to be a glamour Portland Harbour day out.
Race 1 set the tone for the day. Archie & Harvey getting a strong start led the fleet the left of the beat, Glen & Ed, however, just led them round the top mark with Andy & Rob and Douglas & Mark following right on their tails. Thinking the race had settled, Glen & Ed covered Archie & Harvey, protecting the lead, only to have Andy & Rob storm in from the left and snatch the lead they would hold to the finish. With Douglas & Mark also seeing the gain and sneaking ahead of Archie & Harvey.
Race 2, this time it was Glen & Ed who came out the traps best, leading at the top mark and never letting it go. Andy & Rob spent all race over Archie & Harvey with the two boats regularly swapping position, in the end it was Archie & Harvey who took second with Andy & Rob third.
Race 3, with a slight increase in breeze it was Archie & Harvey and Andy & Rob who battled for the win. Just having the legs over Glen & Ed and Douglas & Mark despite both boats looking to put some tactical pressure on. Archie & Harvey taking the win, Andy & Rob second.
Race 4, final race of the day it was Archie & Harvey who took momentum from race 3 and led round the top mark. Up the second beat Glen & Ed and Andy & Rob looked to cause the so far unflappable Archie & Harvey some questions, each choosing the opposite side of the beat to try and find the winning formula. Archie & Harvey protected up the middle, and in the end had enough to protect from the gaining Andy & Rob on the left while Glen & Ed slightly lost distance, although still squeaking ahead of the charging Andy & Rob.
With day two abandoned due to no wind, this was all the racing we got. Fortunately, it was epic! With tight battles throughout the fleet and the top three separated by 1 point each, it is going to be a titanic battle for this year's honours. Bring it on!
Overall Results:
| Pos | Sail No | Helm | Crew | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | Pts |
|---|
| 1 | 1565 | Archie Massey | Harvey Hillary | Itchenor SC | ‑4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| 2 | 1553 | Glen Truswell | Ed FitzGerald | | 2 | 1 | ‑3 | 2 | 5 |
| 3 | 1569 | Andy Shaw | Rob Struckett | Itchenor SC | 1 | ‑3 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| 4 | 1561 | Douglas Pattison | Mark Tait | Itchenor SC | 3 | ‑4 | 4 | 4 | 11 |
| 5 | 1572 | Peter Bromley | Hughbert Maclean | Itchenor SC | 5 | 5 | 5 | ‑6 | 15 |
| 6 | 1558 | Robin Pascal | Martin Pascal | Itchenor SC | 6 | ‑8 | 7 | 5 | 18 |
| 7 | 1530 | Alex Knight | James Clark | Chew Valley Lake SC | (DNC) | 6 | 6 | 7 | 19 |
| 8 | 1551 | Richard Bone | Alex Smith | | ‑9 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 23 |
| 9 | 1573 | Peter Crockford | Harry Kennedy | Itchenor SC | 8 | (DNF) | 9 | DNC | 28 |
| 10 | 1557 | Katie Nurton | Cameron Tweedle | RYS / WPNSA | 7 | (DNF) | DNC | DNF | 29 |