GP14 WELSH CHAMPIONSHIPS AT DOVEY YACHT CLUB

FULL REPORT & RESULTS

The GP14 Welsh Championships were hosted at Dovey Yacht Club on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd May. Racing took place outside the bar in Cardigan Bay for both days, although the entry was disappointing with only ten boats the fleet did not lack quality!

The wind on the first day was light, Race 1 was dominated by Mike Senior crewed by Luke Shaw from South Staffs. Second were Justin and Lucy Evans from the same club with Simon Potts and Drew Nickless the only Dovey boat third. Race 2 was a repeat of the first race with Mike Senior taking the first gun, Simon Potts second and Justin Jones third.

Sunday to everybodies surprise saw the wind blowing a steady force 4. Race 3 was held just inside the bar allowing the flood tide to flatten a lumpy sea. A smaller course led to some very close racing and fast reaches. Mike Senior took first place after an excellent start, followed by Carl Jeffs and Jim Toothill from Trimpley S.C with Richard Instone and Steve Parker from Chase S.C. third. After a short break ashore the fleet were escorted over the bar for the final two races back to back. After steadily working his way through the fleet Simon Potts and Drew Nickless built up an impressive lead to take Race 4 with Justin Jones and Chris Anderson second. Carl Jeffs and Jim Toothill third, Mike Senior finishing fifth meant it all hung on the last race. Race 5 saw Justin Jones make an impressive start and build up an early lead, racing was close in the other positions but the finishing order was Justin Jones first, second Carl Jeffs and Mike Senior third and with that result first place overall.

The whole fleet agreed that it had been an excellent event with hard competitive sailing, well organised resulting in a very worthy winner!

Overall Positions:

1. Mike Senior/Luke Shaw South Staffs S.C. 6 pts

2. Justin Jones/Lucy Evans/Chris Anderson South Staffs S.C. 8pts

3. Simon Potts/Drew Nickless Dovey Yacht Club 10pts

4. Carl Jeffs/Jim Toothill Trimpley S.C. 11pts