Irish GP14 Youth Championship at Sligo Yacht Club

Peter Boyle and Stephen Boyle win the Irish GP14 Youth Championship at Sligo © Laura McFarland

Runner-up Dan Gill and Hugh Gill at the Irish GP14 Youth Championship at Sligo © Laura McFarland

A challenging youth championship was held in Sligo on 24th and 25th September. The conditions proved difficult for both the sailors and race committee alike. An excellent turnout of 20 boats included sailors who had travelled from as far as England with others driving up to 6 hours to make it to this great event. As people braved the conditions in tents, others struggled to put their mast up.

Race 1 was exciting with the high winds and quick reaches which suited the Youghal/Sligo team of Adrian Lee and Ossian Geraghty. They were followed home by Peter and Stephen Boyle from Sutton with the Gallagher brothers, Gareth and Richard in 3rd.

Race 2 saw Dan and Hugh Gill winning from Peter and Stephen to make it a Sutton 1,2. Adrian and Ossian followed the Sutton boats to take 3rd.

Race 3, the last race of the day had a general recall in worsening conditions. The big squalls suited the heavier sailors. Edward Coyne and Colman Grimes were first around the windward mark but were caught by Adrian and Ossian at the gybe mark when they capsized and threw their first place away.

The race changed towards the end with Dan and Hugh Gill taking another race win a from Edward and Colman who had recovered well to 2nd. Gareth and Richard Gallagher were third. Later, with the sailors back ashore, the Saturday afternoon results were amended as Peter and Stephen Boyle were awarded redress giving them another 2nd position to add to the second places they had already scored in races 1 and 2.

Sunday kicked off to less wind in the morning but it increased throughout the day. A pin end bias saw a large congregation of boats at that end. However those that opted to start further up the line in clean air ultimately suffered with the bias being so large.

This race was won by Peter and Stephen meaning Peter is the new GP14 youth champion. 2nd place in the last race was Samuel Wray and Alan Thompson with Kevin Martyn and Colin O'Mahoney in third.

Overall apart from the weather it was a great event run in difficult conditions and an excellent level of sailing. Well done to all the youths who have improved since 2015.

Thank you all who attended and special thanks to all the long distance boats who travelled the length of the country - well done all. Many thanks also to those who crewed and lent boats to the youths.

Overall Results: