GP14 Scottish Area Championship at Castle Semple Sailing Club

GP14 Scottish Area Championship at Castle Semple © Lesley Sommerville

Mark and Seonaid are with Paul O'Neill and Vice Commodore Dawn Kyne at the GP14 Scottish Area Championship at Castle Semple prize giving © Douglas Sommerville

Castle Semple Sailing Club near Glasgow was pleased to welcome boats from Chelmarsh, Derwent Reservoir, Bassenthwaite and a strong contingent from South Staffs to the Scottish Area Championship.

Great weather conditions prevailed, with steady winds and sunshine on Saturday, changing to strong winds and some shifts on Sunday. This resulted in a broach by the eventual winners, and various capsizes and breakages, including a broken boom for Peter Collings and Lindsay McCosh, probably denying them the chance of any silverware, and proving that you can have too much kicker. The extensive Bronze fleet enjoyed the challenging conditions and had close racing. In the Gold fleet some people thought that it was all over after the first three races, with Dave Young and Annette Fitzpatrick winning two and getting a second. Mark Fleming and Seonaid Young were not going down without a fight, and the duel continued between Dave and Mark for the final three races on Sunday. Mark won races four and five, but it wasn't looking good for him after the broach and being slightly behind Dave during the last race. However, in the final lap of the last race Mark and Seonaid got past Dave to secure their first Scottish Area win.

In the middle of the fleet Alan Jones and Sue Watson, and Peter and Lindsay were well placed by Saturday evening, along with several others still in with a chance of securing at least third place. Close competition resulted in the final beat to the finish line being very hard work on the legs, and two photo finishes. Every place counted. By the end of six races, it was only on count back that Third place went to the local boat of Arthur Logan and Iain Hardy. Ross McGlennon won the Youth Helm prize, crewed by Mark Simmonds, and Ann Penny won Lady's Helm, crewed by Lisa Carpenter.

The Castle Semple hospitality was once again superb, the warm welcome being boosted by a piper, goodie bags and free beer. An excellent dinner for over thirty people was followed by some not so light refreshments, meaning that the five minute gun on Sunday morning was a struggle for some. The variety of courses set by the experienced race officer Craig Evans were appreciated. Sincere thanks are also given to the Grand Prix sponsors Craftinsure, and local sponsors O'Neill Services, Gael Force, Tunnocks, and Heritage Meats. The crews appreciated that the free raffle prizes went to the crews and not to the helms. A weekend of good competition amongst good friends.

GP14 Scottish Area Championship at Castle Semple prize giving - photo © Douglas Sommerville

Overall Results: