GP14 class 2010 Year Review

This has been an exceptionally good year for the GP14 Class! Area Championships in 2010 had above average attendances; Irish sailors continue to excel both north and south of the border, with the GP14 being the most active class in Ireland; the UK Grand Prix Series is going from strength to strength, with 190 competitors taking part in events from Scotland to the South Coast, both inland and at sea – a 100% increase in qualifiers from last year. The final round of the Grand Prix produced a nail-biting finish which resulted in a dead heat between Simon Potts / Luke Shaw and Mike / Liz Senior. The tie-break rule had to be applied to break the deadlock and Simon and Luke were crowned Grand Prix Champions.

National Championship entries have also remained healthy, with 60 entries at this year’s Nationals. Over the last ten years the GP14 National Championship has constantly held a high position in the Yachts and Yachting National Championship league table, with an average entry of 72. The GP14 Class holds first place of the senior two-man symmetrical spinnaker dinghies, an achievement that it can be justifiably proud of.

The cruising section of the fleet is growing in popularity with numerous cruises planned throughout the UK. Cruising weeks, which normally take place in late July or August, are well subscribed, and a cruise across the Irish Sea is being planned for 2011.

The Class is entering an exciting period as new moulders become involved with the development and manufacture of the glass hull. Winder Boats have been building Epoxy hulls since April, while Boon Boats, with Phil Morrison as consultant on their GP14 project, are finalising their moulds ready for manufacture by Ovington Boats. Look out for their brand new boat at the Dinghy Show in March, on stand C26.

Superb wooden hulls are being built by Alistair Duffin of Belfast, whose boats currently hold the World and National titles. Interestingly, the Inland Championship and Grand Prix titles are held by a 13 year-old home-made wooden boat! The 470 Olympic Squad made the GP14 their choice of dinghy to compete in the 2010 WLYC 24hr Race, winning the event by over an hour in a brand new Winder Epoxy hull.

The 2011 season starts in February with the GP14 World Championship in Nagombo Sri Lanka. Warm tropical sunshine and aqua blue seas - a perfect way to start a new season, building on the success of the class’s brilliant 60-year history.

Interesting facts about GP14:

• GP14 is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year
• GP14 National Champions have won the Endeavour Trophy seven times
• GP14 Class is equal first on wins of the Endeavour Trophy
• GP14 appeared in the Guinness Book of Records as world record holder for distance sailed in 24 hours in an open dinghy
• GP14 2012 Worlds will be held at Looe SC 12 –17 August