GP14 Open at Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club

Richard Whitworth, crewed by Chris Robinson, well known as a top Merlin Rocket sailor, chose to revisit his past by borrowing a GP14 for his home Club Open Meeting. The other 10 competitors could hardly have known what they were up against!

The day started with a strong south-easterly and Whitworth wins the start and leads at the first mark. Strong contender, Bill Kenyon and Ben Ditchburn capsized on the way and were out of contention for now. The first four boats quickly gained distance over the others, particularly on the fast planing reach across the Lake. Gary Dewhurst and Thomas Bennett look secure in second place, but on the third lap are overtaken by Martin Brennan and Alastair Knott. Kenyon made great progress to finish 5th, inches behind Ian Sinclair and Alan Jones on the line.

After lunch, the rain came with a front and the wind staying strong moved more southerly. Whitworth lined up for the start, but had to realise that GPs do not accelerate off the line quite like Merlins. Brennan got away well to take the lead with Dewhurst close behind ahead of Kenyon. On the run, Kenyon gets the advantage for the next mark though places change during the lap. Whitworth meanwhile makes his usual dramatic progress to gain fourth place. With the wind shifting more, marks are moved to recover the course pattern. At the end of a long reach Brennan succumbs to the pressure from Kenyon who secures the lead with Dewhurst third and Whitworth fourth.

The third race is sailed back-to-back and the start area moved to the east. Some boats realise that a further shift to the south west makes it possible for boats at the starboard end of the line to lay the windward mark, while others at the port end are headed. Brennan is the one who gains most, but Whitworth is also well placed to take advantage. Dave Burrows and Kate Billinge find themselves in third place for now. By the end of the lap, Whitworth has gained the lead, held to the finish, while Brennan fights to hold second. Kenyon comes through to take second place and then the consistent Dewhurst also breaks through Brennan.

So Richard Whitworth adds another victory to the accumulated record of a seasoned campaigner.

Overall Results: