Race Reports 2003

Short reports after each race of the GP14 Class Racing at P.Y.C. in REVERSE date order

WINTER - AUTUMN - LATE SUMMER - SUMMER - & SPRING SERIES
Sunday Dec 14	For the very last race of the year, only four GPs took to the water...wind 5-6 northwesterly but bright sunshine. Mike Arrow & Ruth turned back before the start, Phil Hoath turned back soon after starting. Taras and Andy in Moby got a good start and led Gateau Passion (Mike Williams and Martin Trim) to the second buoy, then flying their spinny, shot in front - who dares wins! Moby capsised on the second beat and Gateau Passion capsised at the gybe mark but were far enough ahead to stay in front to the finish.
Sunday Dec 7	Bright sunshine and a gentle breeze while launching the boats, became 20 to 25 knots of north-easterly just outside the entrance. First off the start was White Knuckles who managed to keep the boat speed on in a very large chop to round the windward mark ahead of Moby and Indecisive. With the wind building in what was becoming survival conditions spinnakers stayed firmly in their bags, all boats fast plaining along both reaches. A fitting decision by the race officer to shorten the course after one lap left the remaining competitors to battle against the wind to the finish, first over the line was White Knuckles followed by Moby.
Sunday Nov 30	Lack of wind caused a half hour postponement when 5 to 12 knots of south-easterly filled in. First of the start line was Indecisive followed by Gateau Passion. Moby ignoring the tide and sailing the shifts managed to progress through the fleet into third place from last at the start, these leading boats were able to hold off all competition for the remainder of the race. Gateau Passion just managed to pip Indecisive on the line with Moby finishing third. Great racing for the six boats who turned up.
Sunday Nov 23	Bad visibility caused by heavy rain coupled with an imminent strong wind warning persuaded the race officer to cancel all dinghy racing.
Sunday Nov 16	Sun glasses were the order of the day as September weather came to Poole for the second race of the series. White Knuckles was first to the windward mark ahead of Gateau Passion and Indecisive. In a shifty north-westerly 5 to 15 knot breeze it was intermittent planing along the reaches, and on the beats to Ham the lead was held by each of the three front boats at one time or another. After taking a 720 penalty Gateau Passion managed to burst back into the lead to win the race followed by White Knuckles and Indecisive
Sunday Nov 9	Some excellent racing welcomed the seven GP14 crews for the first race of the winter series, with 5 to 10 knots of South-easterly breeze. A tricky start in the ebb tide put Moondust over the line, first to the windward mark was White Knuckles closely followed by Indecisive and Gateau Paradise, an exciting close reach to Wych saw Gateau Passion come through the fleet and by Ham they had taken the lead. The testing beats to Wills Mark saw several place changes. First to finish was Gateau Passion, followed by White Knuckles and Indecisive.
Sunday Nov 2	The last race of the Autumn Series cancelled due to strong winds. Congratulations to Mike & Margaret Williams who win the series by one point from Mike Arrow & Colin Byrne.
Sunday Oct 26	Brilliant sunshine and a shifty F3/5 Northerly greeted the 9 competitors for what turned out to be one of the best days racing this series. White Knuckles lead the fleet to Ham but was rapidly overtaken on the run to Wych by Gateau Passion and Moondust. A battle for 1st place ensued between Indecisive and White Knuckles who on the beats had managed to pull away from the fleet. First to finish was White Knuckles followed by Indecisive and Gateau Passion.
Sunday Oct 19	The cold north-easterly force 4 only tempted 9 GP14s to start with White Knuckles first away and leaders at the mark. A capsize on the spinnaker hoist gave Chuckie the running but not for long as the reaching specialists in Nautilus and Gateau Passion soon blasted past. These two held on to finish in that order with the Brann's keeping the Williams's at bay and Chuckie covering to hang on to third.
Sunday Oct 12	14 GPs launched in a F5-6. By the start gun it was going F6-7 bringing capsizes right left and centre. At the finish only 6 boats survived the course with Barry & Sue in Chavirez making it first and Russell & Clive in Wahoo ll beating David & Barbara in Nautilus for 2nd. For me it was swimming practice and a new mast.
Sunday Oct 5	After a chaotic start 10 GP14,s started in a brisk NW wind to Ham. Moby lead the way closely followed by Nautilus and White Knuckles. After an intense battle Moby stormed into the lead on the second beat, to cross the finish line first followed by Nautilus and Chuckie who just managed to pip White Knuckles at the line.
Sunday Sept 28	A good turnout of 15 GPs again in sunshine and F3-4 breezes. The first attempts at a start saw 2 boats starting from one side and 13 from the other. The confusion caused a general with the race officer moving the line for start number two. By choosing the pin end, Matt Valentine & Alison in Chuckie took the lead from the off but heading for the wrong mark in round two allowed Mike & Maggs to slip through and eventual win. Mike Arrow & Colin Byrne gained 2nd with Chuckie holding on to 3rd.
Sunday Sept 21	The new Autumn Sunday series started with a turnout of 15 GPs in light winds. Den Valentine & Serina Thorley in Super Chuck took a port flyer from the off and led start to finish. David & Celia Bracey, fresh from their win at the Lilliput S.C. GP14 Open became involved in a challenge from Wahoo ll on the second reach and determined to see it through, allowed Mike Arrow & Colin Byrne (White Knuckles) to come through and the Bracey's had to settle for third.
Thursday Sept 11	Sadly the last evening race for the year but everyone enjoyed for a change, a small zig zag course with plenty of spinnaker gybes. Equally enjoyable were the starts, all three of them with the race officer resorting to black flags. Of the 20 GPs, Tony & Dave in Calypso soon led the fleet, ending eventual winners with Richard & Anne (Beez Neez) in 2nd and Matt & Serina (Chuckie) third. For the rest of us, close racing, plenty of shouting and a nice one to end the season.
Monday Sept 8	22 GP14s turned out on this, the last Monday race of the year. The wind defied the forecast of F4-5 so with only a F2 and a strong tide it became tactical. If you chose either end of the line you chose well. Steve Brown & Sue Southam in Reflections, even started late but being on that pin, paid off giving them the lead they held to the finish. Mike & Ian (White Knuckles) eventually took 2nd place from Matt & Luke in Chuckie who were happy to claim 3rd, holding off the fierce competition from the team in Cheers ll.
Thursday Sept 4	A fine summers evening with a good F3-4 for the penultimate Thursday race of the season. A competitive start for the 19 GPs as they tussled for clear air with Den & Clyde making it first to the mark ahead of Mike & Maggs. Once round the mark the challenges came thick and fast but covering well, they held on. The run saw others coming strong and the decision to cover the pack when the Williams's gybed off proved fatal and they were in. The Brann's in Nautilus and Mike & Ian (White Knuckles) took up 2nd & 3rd on the final beat and two legs later with 3 minutes remaining on the time limit, the positions stood on the line.
Monday Sept 1	20 GP14s enjoyed a W shaped course and a spinnaker start. Against the tide, the crowded pin end, added to the fun and those who escaped the mayhem included Mike & Maggs who lead for most of the race. John & Trevor in Wet Bits took over at one time but retired after lap one, a decision possibly regretted as the course was shortened at the next mark. Den & Clyde in Super Chuck took the 2nd place with Tony & Richard (Calypso) winning the fight between 4 boats for 3rd.
Sunday Aug 30	The Wareham Race. Only 6 GPs turned out on a glorious morning with a F3 to get them up the river towards Wareham and back. David & Barbara in Nautilus got the start dead right and looked uncatchable. With David & Celia in Flying Fish ll and Den & Luke in Super Chuck, both these boats had their chances by leading at one time but the on form Brann's ended the race as worthy trophy winners.
Thursday Aug 28	Strong flood tide and a light northeasterly gave the 18 GPs a pre start decision, dodge the tide or start at the wind favoured end. Most of the fleet got it wrong ! Calypso (Tony Moore/Dave Brocklehurst) and Chuckie (Matt Valentine/Serina Thorley) sailed straight to the mark against the tide and claimed a good lead but Chuckie came 1st by dodging the the tide on the final beat as did Andy & Elaine Macgregor in Out of Control, who snatched third from the Brann's in Nautilus.
Monday Aug 25	18 GP14s expecting a force 4, started against the tide in a trickle of a breeze with the boats at the port end, taking up the running. With a big one lap course, and a dying wind, an exciting race, it was not. Mark Taylor/Andy Barnsley in Cheers ll got the beat right and led to the finish. Mike & Maggs had to work harder for their 2nd place as did Tony & Ralph Moore for 3rd but for all, not a race to remember.
Monday Aug 18	The S.W. F3-4 promised some good sailing for the 17 Gps. The wind was forecasted to veer and just before the start, it did. The beat became a fetch, the reaches were ruined and the race became processional. Mind you, all the four boats at the front all led at one time but it's the finish that matters and Den & Clyde in Super Chuck won convincingly. Mike & Maggs came from 5th to take 2nd on the line thanks to a starboard call leaving 3 boats neck and neck for 3rd with Steve and Sue in Reflections taking it by a nose.
Thursday Aug 14	Still very warm and sunny so shorts again in the 3 knots easterly. The course was set, we launched, and hey presto, 8 knots westerly. A spinnaker start with Tony & Dave in Calypso spot on time at the pin end and were never caught. The reach became a good beat apart from plates touching bottom. Andy & Taras in Moby moved into 2nd and held it finishing ahead of Mike & Maggs in Gateau Passion who recovered well from their poor start.
Monday Aug 11	Another baking hot day and tonight the downside of the high pressure. Paddled out, paddled against the tide to the prep signal, drifted down the harbour and then towed back in after the abandonment. Good fun this sailing !
Thursday Aug 7	With the present heatwave into it's 2nd week and temperatures of 30 plus the 15 GP14s were thankful to get a F3 to cool them. Most of the fleet piled up at the heavily biased starboard end and with most them OCS, the race officer had no options. The second attempt was a case of "He who dares wins", Mike & Ian dared and once away they won. David & Celia sailed well and calls of 'starboard' on the finish line put them into 2nd. Mike Kuzyk sailing with son Giles earned 3rd spot, on the day before his 7th birthday, (Giles that is !)
Monday Aug 4	15 GPs attempted to start against the tide in a fickle easterly. Only Tony & Richard in Calypso and Andy & Taras in Moby were anywhere near the line at the gun and once out of the tide arrived at the mark in that order. Den & Clyde in Super Chuck although starting late found a trickle of breeze to round in third and after two processional reaches and a short beat the places remained unchanged.
Monday July 28	Force 5 again with only 10 GPs making it to the line. A pack of four boats fought up the beats and flew down the reaches, the order changing throughout but only the final positions counted and Tony & Richard won convincingly with Mike Arrow / Ian Aitken 2nd and Andy & Taras in Moby 3rd. P.S. Den & Clyde 4th.
Thurs July 24	Another race blowing 15 to 25 knots. 17 GPs, with most of them at the pin end saw Barry & Colin in Chavirez take a port flyer but snagging the boom on the post capsized them causing chaos to the starboard tackers. To avoid them, Stuart & Jamie joined them in the drink and the mayhem got worse. A few boats escaped, among them Matt & Serina who led to the 2nd reach. Andy & Jenny Macgregor tipped in on a gybe, Ian & Ted went out of control on a kite reach but Mike Arrow & Ian Aitken in White Knuckles stayed afloat and once ahead, proved they were ready for the Worlds in August. Well beaten into 2nd were the Brann's in Nautilus and for Andy & Taras in Moby, another 3rd.
Monday July 21	The pleasant evening distracted the 20 GPs from the F4-5 which sent a few swimming. Barbara & David Brann in Nautilus had a good start but missed any tidal advantages leaving Andy & Taras in Moby to take the running. Ready to pounce and patient were Tony & Ralph in Calypso and true to form their pressure paid off and Moby ended 2nd. The Brann's done well to climb up to 3rd after the first leg and then to hold off the challenges from the Williams's.
Thurs July 17	After a postponed start to allow the wind to die down, only 5 brave GPs set out in a breeze exceeding 30 knots at times. Matt & Serina in Chuckie took the lead to the windward mark but short lived it was as Mike Williams & Martin Trim took over on the first reach . A late challenge for 2nd by Andy & Taras in Moby, almost succeeded at the final mark but Chuckie hung on.
Monday July 14	Sunshine and Force 2 breezes for the 22 GP14s that set out against a strong flood tide on the hottest day of the year. Mark Taylor & Andy Barnsley in Cheers ll made the best start and led the one sided beat to Cakes. The reaches became processional but the race proper took place on the tactical beats against the tide where positions changes regularly. Ann & Serina in Beez Neez climbed the fleet and on target for a win lost the inside berth to Cheers ll at the final mark and had to settle for a joint 2nd on the line with the late challengers Den & Clyde in Super Chuck.
Sunday July 13	The Bournemouth Pier Race. With blue skies and 26 degrees, the current heat wave would mean a busy harbour entrance so the race officer chose a safer option by sending us round Brownsea & Green Island. The force 4 meant heavy going for the 6 GPs and Martin & Ruth in Moondust called it a day after a capsize. Andy & Taras in Moby led the beat to Brownsea Castle but once around the corner, the kite went up and Mike & Maggs Williams were soon up there. Moby kept to the channels but the Williams's crossed the shallows and gained a lead that would eventually win them the trophy.
Thurs July 10	After a hot sticky day 19 GPs set out in sunshine and a F4 breeze to cool them down but David Thompson was soon back after being holed on the start line by a 420. The long beat gave ample opportunity for the top crews to play the shifts and the on form team of Andy & Alison MacGregor soon took up the running. In pursuit were hot favourites Matt & Andy Burge but the MacGregor's kept their cool and the Burge's at bay. Mike Williams & Russel Wheeler earned their 3rd place by beating Mike Arrow/Ian Aitken at the finish.
Monday July 7	Sunny with a F3-4 but the day after our club regatta where 13 helms & crews spent the weekend racing & socialising it was surprising to see 19 GPs lined up for more. Mike Arrow & Ian Aitken were pipped at Regatta into 2nd Place by Nautilus (David & Barbara Brann) so tonights race was to turn the tables. Plan "A" was going well until the first reach. Too tight for the spinnaker but Cheers ll with Mark Taylor & Andy Barnsley, flew and once the gybe mark was rounded it was kite up and they were gone. Plan "A" was still in tact but with Jim MacGregor guest helming Nautilus, the tough call put Arrow & Aitken 3rd.
Thurs July 3	Twenty GPs started in a shifty and gusty F3-4. The top crews made the most of the gusts on the spinnaker reaches and were soon working their way to the front. Tony & Dave in Calypso called it a day after a capsize on a gybe leaving a pack of four to battle up front. Mike & Maggs looked promising winners at the last mark but failing to cover on the final beat allowed Matt & Andy Burge through with Andy & Alison Macgregor claiming 2nd. Mike Arrow & Ian Aitken had to settle for 3rd.
Monday June 30	Another warm summer's evening with a F3-4 that stayed up. Steve Brown & Sue Southam in Reflections, led the 23 GPs throughout with Matt Burge in The Big Floater constantly challenging. On the final leg of round three they must have thought it was theirs but an inadequate cover at the mark and they were through. For the boys in Wet Bits, John Waters & Trevor Vaille another 3rd.
Thurs June 26	A warm evening with F2-3 breezes for the 22 Gp14s that crowded the favoured starboard end. The congestion made the all important start, more so and hot shots Matt & Andy Burge in Floater showed their expertise from start to finish. A different story in the battle for second where the shifty beats gave close racing with White Knuckles (Mike Arrow/Ian Aitken) holding off the on form team of John Waters & Trevor Vaille in Wet Bits.
Monday June 16	Sunshine again for the 19 GP14s on the starting line and with the wind approaching F4, the congested favoured end and the short beat to Ham gave some exciting sailing. Calypso made the early running ahead of Cheers ll (Mike Riley/Andy Barnsley) and White Knuckles (Mike Arrow & Ian Aitken). The spinnaker reaches became processional allowing Calypso to hold on but penalty turns on the third round gave White Knuckles the lead with Wets Bits (John Waters & Trevor Vaille) slotting third.
Sunday June 22	The Studland Race. The thunder storms on Saturday and the forecast for more, probably accounted for only 3 GPs competing in the annual race out of the harbour to Studland and back. In sunshine and winds of anything from F1 to F4, Den & Martin in Super Chuck took the trophy by a favourable start then match raced Mike & Maggs in Gateau Passion for over two hours. Russell & Ruth went out of it in the harbour entrance when they took to capsize drill .
Thurs June 19	Only 15 GPs were tempted by the gusty F4-5. This breeze, Mark Reynell crewing for Tony Moore in Calypso, say no more and in fact they won by 4 minutes! The places down the fleet opened up when Matt & Andy Burge popped the kite and went swimming leaving Moby & Chuckie to fight for 2nd. Their final battle on the last reach saw Den & Clyde in Super Chuck plane through and the battle was now for 3rd with Chuckie (Matt & Serina) taking it.
Monday June 16	Another hot sunny evening with a F3-4 to start the 21 strong fleet of GPs. Mike Riley with ace crew Andy Barnsley led most of the race but the beats were tactical and in these conditions Tony & Richard are tops. Their determination after an awful start was rewarded with a win ahead of the girls (Anne Short & Serina Thorley) in Beez Neez who again came from well down the pack. Nautilus with David Brann and daughter Rebecca sailed well to take third.
Sunday June 15	Round the Harbour Islands Race. This popular Trophy race suffered the consequences of the high pressure. A gorgeous day with little wind dictated a smaller course round Green Island. Most of the 11 GPs packed the starboard end and soon tacked off. Super Chuck began to dominate and as others seem to lose out by the lee of the islands or touching bottom, Den Valentine & guest crew Carol must have thought the pot was won. Mike & Maggs Williams as always had other ideas, crossing the shallows and keeping that kite pulling in the fluky stuff paid off and their name went on the trophy for 2003.
Thurs June 12	After an exciting general recall in sunshine and a F3-4, 22 GPs got away at the 2nd attempt. The shifty long beats gave plenty of scope for the top lot to come through and Calypso (Tony & Ralph Moore) read them best, taking the honours with Matt & Andy Burge runners up. A well earned 3rd place went to Andy MacGregor in Out of Control, sailing with daughter Alison this time.
Monday June 9	With a long detour to the club due to the closure of Poole Bridge, the race officer used the AP to give the latecomers more time. 19 GPs started in the F3-4 of which 7 chose the port end, paying dividends. Mike Riley/Andy Barnsley, back to form were untouchable leaving the battle for 2nd going eventually to Tony Moore/Richard Lane. Mike & Margaret Williams challenging for third place entertained the Race Hut by a capsize in front of them and yards from the finish, giving Mike Arrow/ Steve Frost a safe third.
Thurs June 5	The best turnout ever of 24 club GP14s with sunshine and a force 4 thrown in to produce a close enjoyable race. John Waters & Trevor Vaille led the first half but with hot shots snapping at your heels it was only a matter of time and none hotter than Matt Burge & Nicky MacGregor were finally at the front. Mike & Maggs sailed well to catch them but the dream team fought back and held on this time. Third place went to Tony & Dave in Calypso.
Monday June 2	A comfortable, enjoyable F4 for the 19 GPs. The pin end start was favourite so plenty of action down there with Den & Clyde leading from the off in Super Chuck. They lost out big time on the 2nd reach when Mike Arrow/ Ian Aitken shot past but on the next beat they were back and this time, held them off to the finish. Tony & Richard climbed throughout to beat Mike & Maggs for 3rd.
Thurs May 29	Of the 21 GP14s, in warm sunshine and a trickle of breeze, only Andy & Jenny Macgregor chose the un-favoured port end. Knowledge of the tidal streams paid off and they led to the final leg but as the wind died, Matt & Andy Burge caught them. The lesser places were anyone's and the mid fleet made the most of it by crossing the tide early as they heard the shortened signal. 3rd place went to the new Kuzyk team with 6 year old Giles crewing for Dad !
Monday May 26	With the last 3 Races cancelled through strong winds, 19 GPs were busting to get out there again. In a gusty 3-4 Tony Moore and guest crew Polly, flew off the line and led the long beat but attempting the kite on the reach cost them. David & Barbara Brann back together in Nautilus chose non spinnaker option which paid off and from then on were untouchable. The Williams's (Mike & Maggs) climbed up to 2nd with Den Valentine/Martin Trim holding 3rd.
Thurs May 15	A dull, chilly, uninviting evening with rain expected for the 23 GP14 starters. The wind, only a F2-3 was all over the place with 3 legs of the triangle / sausage becoming beats at times. It could have been called a lottery but the top sailors made their own luck, taking the top places. A tactical race which Matt & Andy Burge showed how to do it from start to finish. Second were Mike & Maggs (Williams) who worked hard with Mike Arrow/Andy Renton 3rd.
Monday May 12	A good turnout of 20 GPs in sunshine & showers with most of the excitement on the start line. Mark Taylor/Steve Brown shot off, remained unchallenged and probably bored. A mainly processional race with Tony Moore/Richard Lane making their way up to 2nd and for Mike Riley/Andy Barnsley, a 3rd.
Thurs May 8	Another fine sunny evening but only F2-3 breezes. With 21 GPs on the line, the start was exciting but after the short stretch to the mark, mayhem broke out as they arrived from all angles, made more chaotic by the tide. The leaders once rounded had things their way and Mark Reynell & Mike Riley in Gateau Passion were hardly challenged. The new team of Tony Moore & Dave Brocklehurst gained the 2nd place with another new pairing of two Andys (MacGregor & Hine) sailing the whole race without bungs & holding on to 3rd.
Monday May 5	A sunny Bank Holiday evening, F3-4 and 20 GPs out making the best turnout so far this year. Another confused start with only half the fleet starting on the correct gun. Mike Arrow/Ian Aitken got things right and were away with Mark Taylor/Mike Riley in pursuit. These two held it to the end but Den Valentine & Martin Trim, amongst the late starters, chose the starboard side for the beat and by repeating it each round they climbed to earn a third.
Thurs May 1	Another windy day but again it died down enough to tempt 14 GPs. Tony & Dave in Calypso had a good start from the pin end but the tricky beat and the gusty reaches opened it up and left them midst the pack of 4 leaders. Mike Arrow only had to cover to the final mark but cover he didn't, he sailed high, Tony gybed early and popped up ahead leaving Mike Arrow & Andy Renton 2nd with Mike & Maggs 3rd.
Monday April 28	Strong winds all day and yours truly wimped out. They got great pleasure telling me, it dropped to a 4, Ten GPs went out and a good time was had by all, apart from Mike Arrow & Ian Aitken who were OCS. Mark Taylor helming with Steve Brown stole the show, Nautilus (David Brann) came in 2nd and Moby (Andy & Taras) 3rd. Next time it's windy, I'm going down there !
Thurs April 24	Out tonight were 18 GPs, all looking forward to the mild conditions, minimum tide and F3 breezes. The latter proved disappointing as it was dying from start to finish and ended a one lap race. Mike & Maggs got back to winning ways, with the 2nd place going to 'Out of Control' with Andy MacGregor and his young niece Kate, as crew. For Tony Moore in Calypso it was another 3rd.
Monday April 21	The moderate breeze promised some exciting sailing for the 15 GP14s but after the race officer hoisted the AP, confusion set in with most of the fleet starting on the previous start. The OCS boats did return to restart but were never in it. Tony & Richard in Calypso were early leaders in the 4 that started correctly and led for 2 legs but Mark Reynell & Andy Barnsley caught them on the broad reach and held it from then on. Den & Martin Trim got 3rd.
Thurs April 17	Warm, sunny, 16 GPs and a light breeze but a ferocious flood tide causing many late starters. The early leaders avoided the pile up at the favoured end but as the race progressed, the wind died and fortunes changed when the shortened course to the line against the tide opened up the race. Experience prevailed when Andy & Elaine Macgregor in 'Out of Control' climbed the fleet to win ahead of Den & Clyde with these two boats the only finishers.
Monday April 14	In a pleasant F3 with most of the 15 strong fleet of GPs at the starboard end, Den & Clyde chose a mid line position which paid dividends. From then on the top boys were taking turns to snap at their heels but despite some close calls and an exciting finish they held on. Mark Reynell in Chavirez fought and won the battle for 2nd with Tony Moore & his father Ralph earning a 3rd.
Thurs April 10	After a general recall the change of start line caught a few out but the 18 GPs still enjoyed close racing in a F3 with a reaching start. Hot shots, Mike Arrow & Andy Renton soon began to dominate but easy it was not, as newcomers Matt & Andy Burge pushed them to the end. Andy & Jenny MacGregor in a borrowed boat sailed well to clinch 3rd.
Monday April 7	The uncomfortable chilly and gusty F4 easterly still attracted 15 Gps to race. Mike & Maggs thought they had it sewn up ahead of Mike Arrow & Ian Aitken but they paid the price, a small hiccup with the kite at the end and through they came. Tony Moore & Richard Lane yet to find their form managed a 3rd.
Thurs April 3	Only 12 GP14s lined up for the first Thursday evening race in a light breeze and sunshine. Tony Moore in Calypso avoided the pile up at the favoured end and lead until the final leg when Nautilus (David Brann) came through. David Thompson & Alison Knowles in Tin Tin, looked good for 3rd but running aground cost them dearly leaving Andy & Taras in Moby to take their place.
Monday March 31	The're off. 15 GPs kicked off the season in sunshine and a light breeze. Bob Cox managed to capsize before the start but the rest enjoyed the early stages before the wind died. Mike Riley and Andy Barnsley got the start right and the tide wrong leaving Mike Arrow & Ian Aitken to take the lead and cover from then on. David Brann with guest crew came 2nd with Riley/Barnsley 3rd.