Race Reports 2009

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

Saturday AUTUMN SERIES
Sat 31 Oct	For the final race of the Autumn series the warm sunny weather continued in a F2-3 for the 8 GPs. A poor choice of course had the fleet fetching the mark and the subsequent broad reach keeping the boats together with The Big Floater and White Knuckles swapping positions at the front .The following reach, too tight for the kite, saw the leaders pull away and after only one further lap, the turn of the tide and a decreasing breeze had the race officer wisely shorten. So after just a 45 minute race, The Big Floater again came in a convincing first with Moby earning second place.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Colin Rainback and Andy Burge Moby - Andy Welch and Taras Palamarcuk White Knuckles - Mike Arrow and Jo Kennedy
Sat 24 Oct	Six GP14s took to the water expecting a mean wind speed of 22 knots but the gusts had it approaching 30 at times. As boats stuck their head outside the haven their numbers reduced as they turned back, capsized or carried on for a short race of one, twenty minute lap. With the safety teams attending multiple capsizes, The Big Floater staying upright came in first ahead of the only other finisher, Mazoe.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Colin Rainback and Andy Burge Mazoe - Tim & Jo Edom
Sat 17 Oct	Another sunny pleasant afternoon with 10 GPs out, although Ian Wall's singlehanded efforts counted him out. The shifty north-easterly F3-4 coupled with a strong ebb tide gave opportunities on the beats for positions to change which they did down the fleet but for the forerunners, most of the race it was The Big Floater again with White Heat pressurising and briefly gaining the lead. The finish, after almost two hours of an enjoyable race saw Moby hold on to a comfortable third. May these unseasonable Saturdays long continue !
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Colin Rainback and Martin Trim White Heat - David and Barbara Brann Moby - Andy Welch and Taras Palamarcuk
Sat 10 Oct	Following two weeks of no racing due to the Youth Regatta and the excessive winds of last Saturday, Summer returned with a pleasant F3 for the small fleet of five GPs. Bunched at the biased starboard end Super Chuck soon took up the running holding off Moby and The Big Floater for the first triangle and the sausage. After an incident with a laser their lead reduced and failing to cover on the tactical beat allowed Moby to slip through and uncontested during the second triangle. Super Chuck hung on to second place despite challenges from The Big Floater and then White Knuckles who took third.
		1st 2nd 3rd	Moby - Andy Welch and Taras Palamarcuk Super Chuck - Den Valentine and Clyde Elliott White Knuckles - Mike Arrow and Jo Kennedy
Sat 19 Sept	High pressure in the continuing Indian Summer meant very only a minimal breeze for race 3 of the Autumn series and the Wareham race. Following a postponement for the 7 GPs, the breeze picked up to a steady force 3 and they were off down the harbour to Rockley. Not for long as sadly it died again and for the boats in the channel it was backwards sailing and eventual retirement. Amongst the boats out of the channel was The Big Floater recovering from believing they were OCS minutes after the start, then to return and re-start. As a trickle of wind returned, surprisingly they had climbed back to second behind James and Clive in Cheers, with Moby third at the mark but this time despite the sporting calls from Chuckie they all rounded the wrong way. Following Chuckie' s correct rounding, Moby re-rounded and joined the tidal route to Gold. Chuckie looked good for a win but swept by the tide the wrong side of Gold they were out of it leaving Moby with the hindsight of crossing the tide early to round it proper and win as the only finisher. Good stuff this sailing !
		1st	Moby - Andy Welch and Taras Palamarcuk (all other boats DNF or RAF)
Sat 12 Sept	Brilliant Sunshine, F3-4 and very warm for the 9 GPs racing out of the harbour onto high seas for the Bar Buoy Race and the second in the Autumn series with a gusty north-easterly for added delight. Tactics came into play in the lee of Sandbanks and the harbour entrance with The Big Floater's experience paying off, commanding a comfortable lead at the Buoy. With all the boats making it on port tack, Shaken not Stirred, in fourth place, held their spinnaker approaching the mark. In a catastrophic attempt to tack with the kite up they went into irons, waving the fleet past. In White Heat, David and Beccy Brann had to work hard to hold off Richard and Nicky Smart in Wet Bits to finish second in what was described by all as a most enjoyable race.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Colin Rainback and Martin Trim White Heat - David and Beccy Brann Wet Bits - Richard and Nicky Smart
Sat 5 Sept	For the first of a trial run of Saturday afternoon races only 5 GP14 turned up in perfect conditions for Race 1 of the Autumn Series and competing for the Lake Shore Cup. In a good breeze approaching F4 the poor choice of course saw The Big Floater lead the one sided beat to Latch and down the broad spinnaker reach to Piccadilly. With the second reach too tight for the kite they pulled further ahead with the final result a formality. Moby and White Knuckles fought for second place in the full race of two triangles and sausages with Moby securing runner up. Shame about the course but what a great way to spend Saturday afternoon!
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Colin Rainback and Martin Trim Moby - Andy Welch and Taras Palamarcuk White Knuckles - Mike Arrow and Bob Cox
LATE SUMMER SERIES (Evenings)
Thurs 17 Sept	Pleasant late summer weather for the very last evening race of the season and once again a gusty north-easterly F3-4 for the 12 GPs. Picking the same small course as the previous two races proved perfect with the numerous rounding's keeping the fleet together. The top boats surpassed on the shifty beats against the strong flood tide and were soon fighting amongst themselves with Mark and Josh in Mr Brightside holding the lead, covering The Big Floater to the finish. Plenty of action and incidents down the fleet ensured an enjoyable final race ending a successful series. Roll on next Summer !
		1st 2nd 3rd	Mr Brightside - Mark Lees and Josh Irons The Big Floater - Colin Rainback and Andy Burge White Knuckles - Mike Arrow and Ian Aitken
Mon 14 Sept	With summer still holding on, 13 GPs enjoyed the last Monday evening race of the season in a gusty north-easterly F3-4. The selected small course kept the fleet together with Mark & Josh in Mr Brightside leading start to finish of the one hour race. White knuckles, holding second for most of the event, finally lost out to Talula, who climbed throughout to finish a boat length behind the winner.
		1st 2nd 3rd	Mr Brightside - Mark Lees and Josh Irons Talula - Mike and Margaret Williams White Knuckles - Mike Arrow and Ian Aitken
Thurs 10 Sept	One could be tempted to ditch the wetsuit for shorts but once away from the lee of the club the gusty north-easterly became apparent with two boats testing sea temperatures before the start. With 15 GPs on the line the pin end was the place to be with Mr Brightside soon gaining the lead on The Big Floater. The excellent choice of a small course kept the fleet together with tactical beats in the strong ebb tide providing extra interest. As Mr Brightside's lead increased, an untimely glance of their boom on 36 buoy with a subsequent 360, halved it, giving the opportunity for the Floater to gain the lead which they achieved on the following round. Talula as usual came from mid fleet to beat Moondust and Reflection into third. An exciting race made by the shifts, gusts, tide and the good number of boats condensed on the small course.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Colin Rainback and Andy Burge Mr Brightside - Mark Lees and Josh Irons Talula - Mike and Margaret Williams
Mon 7 Sept	With very low water and a strong ebb tide, 12 Gps fetched the well chosen small triangle sausage course to West. From this point the race proper started with a tricky tactical beat sorting the top boats from the rest although the fleet stayed compact . A long enjoyable race where the Race Officer squeezed what he could from the available daylight ended with a well earned win for Mark & Josh in Mr Brightside with second placed Talula beating The Big Floater into third.
		1st 2nd 3rd	Mr Brightside - Mark Lees and Josh Irons Talula - Mike and Margaret Williams The Big Floater - Colin Rainback
Thurs 3 Sept	Blowing all day with gusts of 30 plus, but with a pre race drop to 15 knots, eleven GPs were tempted. Not for long though, once launched it picked up to F6 promising some exciting conditions and certainly true on the uncomfortable one sided beat to the mark one. The Big Floater nipped round in front of Out of Control just as the wind decreased so no hesitation with the kites for the reach down to Piccadilly. With The Floater becoming pre-occupied with covering the challenging pack, Out of Control rounded the gybe mark in front and maintaining their position throughout lap 2 it was a well earned first. The Big Floater held on second ahead of Moby with a great result for Mazoe (Tim & Jo Edom) in fourth.
		1st 2nd 3rd	Out of Control - Andy Macgregor and Chris Doe The Big Floater - Colin Rainback and Andy Burge Moby - Andy Welch and Taras Palamarcuk
Mon 31 Aug	Could this be the last day of summer ? The forecast was breezy but down to a F2, sunshine and and warm. Making the most of it, 13 GPs bunched at the pin end (to avoid the tide) started the triangle to Wills mark. Amongst the boats that tacked off early, The Big Floater again led the way with White Knuckles contending early on. The sausage lap saw Talula eventually climb and snatch third place from Mr Brightside. A good race with enjoyable reaches but needing more puff.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Colin Rainback & Andy Burge White Knuckles - Mike Arrow & Ian Aitken Talula - Mike & Margaret Williams
Thurs 27 Aug	Another windy one, this time the remnants of hurricane Bill so gusting just under 30, not surprisingly only 9 GPs ventured out. With two early retirements, The Big Floater led the pack to Balls Lake and being the only boat brave enough to use the kite on the two reaches of the triangle, albeit with some nasty moments, their lead became uncatchable. Second place was secured on the final run when Talula, in an effort to lose Moby, chanced the spinnaker and pulled away.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Colin Rainback and Andy Burge Talula - Mike Williams and Tim Edom Moby - Andy Welch and Taras Palamarcuk
Mon 24 Aug	With sunshine and winds around F4 south-westerly, 14 boats set off to Latch in great sailing conditions. The Big Floater took up the running with the best opposition from Super Chuck ahead of Cheers 2, Mr Brightside and Talula but once on the reaches the Floater's lead increased with Super Chuck holding on to second. At the start of the second triangle Super Chuck lost out by ignoring the tide and with Cheers 2 dropping back the battle for second was over when Talula claimed water on Mr Brightside at the final rounding mark. Their effort to catch Talula by tacking off to avoid the tide proved a calamity when Super Chuck now uncovered beat them to the line for third.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Colin Rainback & Andy Burge Talula - Mike & Margaret Williams Super Chuck - Den Valentine and Clyde Elliott
Thurs 20 Aug	Gusting 40 by day and forecasted to stay windy, the pre race temporary drop to 22 knots meant it was on. The 5 boats that went out certainly had wind, most reporting the windiest race this season with big seas near 36 buoy. With only two boats choosing spinnakers, The Big Floater, stayed upright notching up another win as White Knuckles retired minus the burgee and a muddy mast. Reflection sailed well to secure second place ahead of Moondust then Calypso.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Colin Rainback and Andy Burge Reflection - Anne Short and Serina Thorley Moondust - Martin Trim & Greg McGloughlin
Mon 17 Aug	A pleasant evening with a steady F4 south-westerly but only 7 GPs to enjoy the ideal conditions. The two Andy's in Big Floater led the field up the beat and once rounded the tight planing reaches suited them. White Knuckles chased them start to finish ahead of Super Chuck on the beats with Talula recovering on the reaches. True to form Talula came good at the end to finish a strong third.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Andrew Clewer & Andy Burge White Knuckles - Mike Arrow and Ian Aitken Talula - Mike & Margaret Williams
Thurs 13 Aug	It's summer again and we have a F3-4 steady south-westerly. With some crews off to Carnac for the GP14 Europeans only eleven boats were able to race on a start line heavily biased at the pin end. The Big Floater soon got a grip on the race leaving the rest fighting for the spoils. With a the true course offering good reaches, positions down the fleet changed little with Out of Control second ahead of Calypso but Talula, the exception, climbed up to fourth at the final mark and as Calypso, in their own words "tried something different", Talula sneaked in.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Matt and Andy Burge Out of Control - Andy Macgregor and Chris Doe Talula - Mike and Margaret Williams
Mon 10 Aug	After two days at the GP14 Open Weekend, 11 GPs lined up in winds approaching F4, against the tide, all bunched at the favoured pin end. Following three straight wins in the Sunday Open Meeting, Mr Brightside had a good start but not as good as Chuckie and Super Chuck. These three led the pack with Super Chuck first at the mark and despite challenges in the two triangle laps they held on. The last lap down the channel saw Super Chuck increase their lead choosing not to cover the boats port side of the course. At the turning point, Talula had climbed to second and with a decreasing breeze threatened the leader. On the line Super Chuck hung on with third place awarded to Chuckie.
		1st 2nd 3rd	Super Chuck - Den Valentine & Clyde Elliott Talula - Mike & Margaret Williams Chuckie - Matt Valentine and Serina Thorley
Thurs 6 Aug	The sheets of rain, mist and very light breezes in low water with a strong flood tide, had a few returning home. For the rest it was up and down the channel once with a 30 minute race before the wind died completely. Super Chuck shut the favourite Big Floater, out on the start, going on to lead at the turning mark down the channel. Spinnaker problems allowed boats through but by avoiding the tide, taking the port side, returned them the lead at Arne. Shaken not Stirred chose the starboard side to pop up second ahead of the Big Floater doing well to climb up from last place. These two, by staying right, overtook Super Chuck with Shaken holding on for the win.
		1st 2nd 3rd	Shaken not Stirred - Ian & Rachael Wall The Big Floater - Andrew Clewer & Andy Burge Super Chuck - Den Valentine & Clyde Elliott
Mon 3 Aug	On a misty and murky evening with rain, most of the 11 GPs started the beat to Piccadilly at the favoured port end in a F3-4. Moby commanded the early stages but the wind shifts gave the opportunity for change with all of the four boats in the front pack leading at times. The reaches offered good planing when the breeze was up but after two laps Talula had it sewn up ahead of the Big Floater with Moby stealing third from White Knuckles on the line.
		1st 2nd 3rd	Talula - Mike & Margaret Williams The Big Floater - Andrew Clewer and Andy Burge Moby - Andy Welch and Sue Southam
Thurs 30 July	13 GP14s started the well chosen hexagonal course in a Force 3-4 but gusty. The biased line had most boats bunched at the hut end and once away Super Chuck lead the field and soon looked uncatchable. However after two laps their lead became vulnerable as the big guns moved closer and a bad spinnaker drop and gybe saw three boats pass led by White Knuckles. Out of Control and Talula, challenging throughout, came through on the final lap with the last fight being won by Talula.
		1st 2nd 3rd	Talula - Mike & Margaret Williams Out of Control - Andy Macgregor and Chris Doe White Knuckles - Mike Arrow and Ian Aitken
Mon 27 July	A sunny end to the day with a good F4 tempted 12 GPs. Following two retirements during the race, a couple of capsizes and three retirements after finishing through missing a mark, the race was well won by Mr Brightside earning their first win of the season. The Big Floater with guest helm Andrew Clewer, kept their status by pipping Chuckie for second spot.
		1st 2nd 3rd	Mr Brightside - Mark Lees and Josh Irons The Big Floater - Andrew Clewer and Andy Burge Chuckie - Matt Valentine and Serina Thorley

SUMMER SERIES (Evenings)
Thurs 23 July	With a steady wind around the 20 - 25 knot mark, only 9 GPs braved the conditions. The early stages up and down the channel on a beam reach had the fleet planing at speed with kites still packed in their bags . Out of Control, enjoying the conditions gained a grip on the race and despite a statistic of the four capsizes, they still held the lead to the finish.
		1st 2nd 3rd	Out of Control - Andy Macgregor and Chris Doe White Knuckles - Mike Arrow and Ian Aitken Moby - Andy Welch and Taras Palamarcuk
Mon 20 July	A brisk wind by day but by the start of the last evening race of the Summer Series it had dropped to a F3 for the 12 GP14s. The favoured pin end saw Moby take off on a flier but true to form the Big Floater arrived at the windward mark first and lead throughout. As the wind backed and dropped further, hoisting the spinnaker offered nothing but most boats chose to hold it. By the end of the second lap the race officer, wise to shorten saw Talula and White Knuckles coming through for 2nd and 3rd with congratulations to The Big Floater for another series win.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater -Matt Burge and Andy Burge Talula - Mike and Margaret Williams White Knuckles - Mike Arrow and Ian Aitken
Thurs 16 July	No wind (The lull before the storm ?) - Race Cancelled
Mon 13 July	Windy by day but as forecasted it dropped to a F4 southerly and gusty. The unusual course, chosen to suit the wind direction brought groans as it meant a reaching start and a biased line but it turned out to be, just the job. With the Big Floater crewless, a last minute call to young Vicki from the Mirrors proved also just the job as the pair soon had their grip on the race, notching up another win. With the opposition always close throughout the four lap race, Mr Brightside led the pursuing pack to finish second ahead of Mazoe with Tim Edom and top crew Chris Doe on board.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Colin Rainback and Vicky (from the Mirror group) Mr Brightside - Mark Lees and Josh Irons Mazoe - Tim Edom and Chris Doe
Thurs 9 July	Twelve GPs bunched at the starboard end started the long, difficult beat down the channel to waters infrequently visited in a gusty, flickering wind off the land, around F3-5. The Big Floater found opposition in the early stages but once round the wing mark the final result became a formality. The big course of three laps offered good planing reaches and the opportunity for Out of Control to secure a safe second but third place was somewhat different, as after racing for 90 minutes plus, White Heat crossed just inches ahead of Calypso .
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater -Matt Burge and Colin Rainback Out of Control - Andy Macgregor and Chris Doe White Heat - David and Barbara Brann
Mon 6 July	Strong winds - Race Cancelled
Thurs 2 July	Heat wave casualty - No wind - Race Cancelled
Mon 29 June	Warm and Sunny again for the 11 GPs but with only a light F2 easterly the sensible choice of a small course offered good sailing in the four lap race. The Big Floater unchallenged on the line got away and retained the lead throughout. The tactical beats gave interesting sailing in the pursuing pack with Talula emerging as second place ahead of the well earned third placed, Moondust.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Colin Rainback and Andy Burge Talula - Mike and Margaret Williams Moondust - Martin Trim & Barry Southam
Thurs 25 June	Sunshine, shorts weather and a F2-3 Easterly but low water and strong tides for the 16 GPs starting the triangle sausage course in the channel. The ebbing tide pushing boats over, proved costly individual recalls to those fighting the tide going back. The Big Floater as expected soon came to the fore and despite some unexplained tactics still won the near two hour race with 13 minutes to spare. With a strongly contested competition for the spoils, Super Chuck managed to hold off Reflection and Shaken not Stirred to finally creep across the line just inches ahead of Talula as the dying wind and the now rampant flood tide kicked in. With only seven boats making the finish, in hindsight it was a race of one lap to far.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater -Colin Rainback and Andy Burge Super Chuck - Den Valentine & Clyde Elliott Talula - Mike and Margaret Williams
Mon 22 June	Surprisingly, after very little breeze all day, dead calm at times, a pleasant F2-3 popped up allowing 12 GP14s to get away on the long beat to Balls Lake. The individual recall had most boats guessing but eventually The Big Floater went back, with the price of a one minute handicap. The first lap saw Super Chuck leading the pack but failing to navigate to West allowed White Knuckles in but with The Big Floater soon back in the frame and Talula on the scene, by the end of the 4 lap course approaching 2 hours, these two had White Knuckles back to third.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater -Matt Burge and Andy Burge Talula - Mike and Margaret Williams White Knuckles - Mike Arrow and Ian Aitken
Thurs 18 June	With the wind over the top all day, 11 GPs turned out as it dropped to F4 -5. Following a lengthy general recall delay, it dropped further to a F4, much to the regret of those choosing not to go. After a short 50 minute race with the wind decreasing further, The Big Floater had established a comfortable lead over Calypso with Out of Control taking third.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater -Colin Rainback and Andy Burge Calypso - Tony Moore and Richard Lane Out of Control - Chris Doe and Jenny Macgregor
Mon 15 June	The F5-6 dropped a notch to promise some great sailing for the 14 GPs but the extra gun on the individual recall caused chaos and ruined it. Some went back, some rounded the windward mark and came back and some carried on. Realising there was no General the boats that returned rejoined the race with a mountain to climb. Out of Control got it right and took control leading start to finish with Moby hanging on to 2nd ahead of a defiant Talula. For the seven boats that completed the course, a great race, however the seven retirements wouldn't agree.
		1st 2nd 3rd	Out of Control - Andy and Jenny Macgregor Moby - Andy Welch and Sue Southam Talula - Mike and Margaret Williams
Thurs 11 June	With a gusty F5 - 6 south-westerly this short report comes via the binoculars in clubhouse tracking the 11 GP14s in sometimes testing conditions. Just one retirement from Timmit after broaching 180 degrees and staying upright, unlike the dunking for Talula and Mazoe. The Big Floater, always favourite had some early contention from Out of Control but after rounding the mark, their focus during the three lap race turned to holding off Calypso for second place.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater -Matt Burge and Andy Burge Out of Control - Andy Macgregor and Chris Doe Calypso - Tony Moore and Richard Lane
Mon 8 June	Following a 30 minute postponement due to local traffic problems, 13 GPs bundled themselves at the pin end facing a F3 easterly and the tide. The Big Floater arriving early skilfully caused chaos pushing boats on to the mark to then escape the mayhem and start on the gun. Despite the difficulties White Heat tacked early and confronting less tide beat the Floater to the mark. Talula, also down the pan, came to the fore in the triangle sausage race to eventually pip White Heat but alas, another race where neither could stop The Big Floater.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Colin Rainback and Andy Burge Talula - Mike and Margaret Williams White Heat - David and Barbara Brann
Thurs 4 June	A fine evening with only a light south-westerly saw 14 GPs set off on the long beat to Balls Lake. The Big Floater read the shifts best to make it first to the mark and once ahead increased their lead further during the three laps of the 2 hour plus race. Talula and Calypso fought for second throughout with the photo finish showing Calypso ahead.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater -Colin Rainback and Andy Burge Calypso - Tony Moore and Richard Lane Talula - Mike & Margaret Williams
Mon 1 June	No wind - Race Cancelled

SPRING SERIES (Evenings)
Thurs 28 May	A warm sunny evening for the 11 GP14s but very light north-westerly winds and a strong ebb tide. Tactics were to play a major role in the difficult shifty conditions and not surprisingly the top boats made the best of it. Recovering from a poor start, Talula made it to the front ahead of Moby but always up there was Flying Fish. Ready to settle for third ahead of White Heat, at the final Mark Moby's poor spinnaker drop lost them two places lifting Flying Fish to a worthy second.
		1st 2nd 3rd	Talula - Mike & Margaret Williams Flying Fish ll - David and Celia Bracey White Heat - David and Barbara Brann
Mon 25 May	Strong tide and very light winds which died before the start resulting in the race being cancelled.
Thurs 21 May	With a steady F3-4 and a return to more settled weather, 14 GPs set off on a true westerly beat. The pin end was the place to start which paid off for the leading pack on the first lap led by The Big Floater. Talula, starting mid line did it the hard way managing to climb to second by mid race. As the wind veered and dropped the legs became a procession with White Heat holding on to third just ahead of the challenging Super Chuck.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Colin Rainback & Andy Burge Talula - Mike & Margaret Williams White Heat - David and Barbara Brann
Mon 18 May	Strong Winds - Race Cancelled
Thurs 14 May	Arriving at the club with 1.7 knots of breeze had the race looking doubtful but it picked up to 7 knots and for 11 GP14s it was on. With a strong tide it became painful when the fickle breeze decreased further. Out of control led at the windward mark and the spinnaker reach with the top boat (The Big Floater) way back in 8th but a clever move on the 2nd reach saw the favourites climb to 2nd by dropping the kite, going high and drifting down with the tide, on to the mark . Positions changed as boats struggled to round but Moby came out as leaders until the final leg against the tide, when the tactics of "you know who" again came good. Not a race to remember especially for the struggling boats that didn't make the finish and later towed in.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Colin Rainback & Andy Burge Moby - Andy Welch and Taras Palamarcuk Out of Control - Andy Macgregor and ..... Brocklehurst
Mon 11 May	At the end of blustery day with 50 mph gusts who'd thought the race would be on but six GP14s turned up to race the low water channel course in gusty winds of F4 to 6. The Big Floater led the pack until the spinnaker leg had them swimming. Talula grabbed the lead, stayed upright and once The Floater went over a second time in the same spot the result was theirs. Moby by being cautious with the kite, avoided the capsizes by most of the fleet to come in third.
		1st 2nd 3rd	Talula - Mike Williams and Martin Trim Moby - Andy Welch and Sue Southam The Big Floater - Colin and Matthew Rainback
Thurs 7 May	11 GPs braved the gusty conditions, watched in the bar by those not so keen. A good start for The Big Floater with their early lead showing signs they could be caught but again once at the mark, no hesitation with the kite and the gap grew further throughout the whole of the triangle sausage triangle course. Out of Control, trying different routes up the beat stayed second finishing ahead of Talula. A few multiple capsizes and gear failure brought retirements so with the new rule of retirements scoring the same as DNC the Bar option proved a good choice.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Colin Rainback & Andy Burge Out of Control - Andy Macgregor and Chris Doe Talula - Mike Williams and Jake Sheppard
Mon 4 May	Bank Holiday Monday and cold with a force 4 westerly had Mr Brightside lead the 11 GPs up the beat on the well chosen course. The Rainback's (Big Floater) came good at the mark, popped the kite, caught the gusts and it was all over leaving a battle for second with Mark and Josh (Mr Brightside) holding off the challenges from the Brann's in White Heat . They must have thought there'd caught them when Mark and Josh capsized coming in to the leeward mark but a lightening recovery secured the result and their best in the series so far.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Colin and Matthew Rainback Mr Brightside - Mark Lees and Josh Irons White Heat - David and Barbara Brann
Thurs 30 April	Another light wind race, and rigging in the rain dampened the enthusiasm, but 15 Gps turned out. A late change of course proved to be a good decision. Tony and Richard in Calypso got away cleanly and were leading at the first mark, closely followed by The Big Floater and Mr Brightside. Fickle winds on the reach saw Tony increase his lead whilst the rest of the fleet bunched up with White Heat and Moby finding the best wind. By the end of the run Matt and Andy were right on Calypso's transom and soon took the lead, but Mr Brightside gybed early and suffered. Positions changed little on the final lap, although a late charge from Mr Brightside saw them move back up to 4th just behind Moby.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Matt Burge & Andy Burge Calypso - Tony Moore & Richard Lane Moby - Andy Welch and Taras Palamarcuk
Mon 27 April	A return to more seasonal weather with a turnout of 12 GPs. Unfortunately the sudden squall and heavy downpour just before the start caused some concern but it turned out to be the best bit and the highlight of a most frustrating evening. At the gun with a low water channel course against the tide, the wind dropped, the sun shone and as usual the Big Floater got away. Arriving at the windward mark with the wind decreasing further, fighting the full strength of the tide was slow progress and with most boats sailing backwards at times the word lottery came to mind. Reaching the next mark and turning back coincided with a turn of the tide so it was fight the tide again resulting in some retirements. A painful race for everyone but with the top two boats at one and two, Lottery! ... make your mind up.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Colin Rainback and Andy Burge Talula - Mike and Margaret Williams White Knuckles - Mike Arrow and Ian Aitken
Thurs 23 April	A great turnout of 19 GP14s tempted by another fine evening with F3 breezes, forecasted to stay up which it did. Shame about the course, another biased line with most boats making the mark in one and the first reach being borderline for the kite. The Big Floater, usually the one to chase, found themselves behind Out of Control for most of the triangle sausage course and that's how they finished just ahead of Calypso and who else in fourth, Mr Brightside.
		1st 2nd 3rd	Out of Control - Andy Macgregor and Chris Doe The Big Floater - Matt Burge & Andy Burge Calypso - Tony Moore & Richard Lane
Mon 20 April	The fine weather continues and light winds again for the 13 GP14s on the heavily biased line. The crowded pin end start had some boats looking dead but not for long as once away it paid off to be starboard side of the course. The Big Floater being favourite to win looked good from the off and despite the early challenges from Moby, Talula and Mr Brightside pulled away leaving the fight for second regained by Moby ahead of Talula and this time a fourth for Mr Brightside, but... ... watch this space !
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Colin Rainback and Andy Burge Moby - Andy Welch And Sue Southam Talula - Mike and Margaret Williams
Thurs 16 April	Another fine evening with a mainly force 2 or 3 for the 11 GP starters, all fooled into congregating at the port end of a biased line. By starting mid line Super Chuck took the advantage and lead the pack with some early challenges from Moondust and then Calypso. During the two laps of the triangle, sausage course their lead increased to become a convincing and deserved win. Calypso held on to second place finishing ahead of Out of Control.
		1st 2nd 3rd	Super Chuck - Den Valentine and Clyde Elliott Calypso - Tony Moore & Richard Lane Out of Control - Andy Macgregor and Chris Doe
Mon 13 April	The warm sunny day continued into the evening and with a gentle F3, 16 GP14s bunched at the pin end, were off. Most of the favourites had good starts with Mr Brightside once again leading the pack. With The Big Floater, absent it's top helm, Jamie Thompson was drafted in to team up with Andy Burge. The new duo worked their way to the front and by the finish of the one lap Olympic course they crossed ahead of Talula with Mr Brightside comfortably holding third.
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Jamie Thompson and Andy Burge Talula - Mike and Margaret Williams Mr Brightside - Mark Lees and Josh Irons
Thurs 9 April	A dreary evening with a light south-westerly breeze for the 9 GP14s that started the race. Calypso led for the whole triangle and sausage holding off the master Colin Rainback and his guest crew in the Big Floater. Talula did well to climb and hold third place but the theatrical finish was the talking point. With a win for Calypso looking a formality, The Big Floater managed to split the tacks in the final moments and once uncovered as Calypso tacked to avoid the bung wall, Colin poked his nose over the line to steal the show. Super stuff !!
		1st 2nd 3rd	The Big Floater - Colin Rainback & ..... Courage Calypso - Tony Moore & Richard Lane Talula - Mike and Margaret Williams
Mon 6 April	Sure sign the racing season's started as last weeks sunshine turned to rain for the kick-off. Eleven GPs turned out as the forecasted blow ended up a gentle force 3. The favourites in The Big Floater had their work cut out being held to mid fleet for most of the race. Newcomers Mark Lees and Josh Irons in Mr Brightside took the early lead but the boats with last years form eventually took the running by choosing good routes up the beat. As the wind picked up to a four on the final reach, a planing treat for all with the Williams's in Talula making the most of it, gaining 1st place with the Rainback 's in the Big Floater beating the Brann's in White Heat for second. Good racing conditions, may it well continue !!
		1st 2nd 3rd	Talula - Mike and Margaret Williams The Big Floater - Matthew and Colin Rainback White Heat - David and Barbara Brann