The GP14 Nationals were sailed at Aeolians Club, Vaal Dam over three days in March, together with the 505 class, who were sailing their NSA Provincial Championships. A total of 14 boats participated - a bit down on the 20 hoped for. Three of these were visitors from the Southern Cape - thanks for making the effort to support the event. Mark Biagio wanted to sail in this regatta, but a family natal event in the same time period put paid to those plans!
Rain on the Friday evening greeted the early arrivers, making for muddy conditions on the shoreline - itself uncommonly far inland with the Vaal Dam at 100.5% capacity. The cool conditions persisted on Saturday morning. Race Officer Brian Sutherland attempted to get proceedings under way promptly, but was foiled by an approaching storm. Putting safety first, he sent the fleet ashore for an early lunch.
Racing finally got under way in the afternoon, with two races completed in light winds. The second of these was also threatened by an approaching storm, but was able to be completed safely. Pat Mitchell put an early stamp on proceedings by winning both of these races ahead of Richard Parker. Light conditions persisted on Sunday and four further races were completed. Here Richard proceeded to dominate, with Pat losing consistency.
On Monday, races 7 and 8 were sailed in similar light conditions. These were won by Malcolm Osborne and Pat Mitchell respectively, but by this time Richard was the unassailable winner.
At the AGM, the class had decided that they wished to finish the event on the Monday to permit the visitors time to return home on the Tuesday holiday. Further, it was decided that a non-event race should be sailed, where skippers would change boats. This race was sailed on the Monday afternoon, in the strongest wind of the long weekend and was won by Koenie Otto, who sailed the winning boat (Davy's Comet) with the winning crew (Dave Hawkins).
On the social side, a cheese and wine party was hosted by the GP14 class on Saturday evening. The class AGM was held on Sunday evening, Here Anthony Parker was unanimously re-elected chairman.
Trophy Awards:
| 1st Place and Silver Rose Bowl: | Richard Parker and Dave Hawkins |
| 2nd
Place and the |
Pat Mitchell and Andrew Marsh |
| 3rd Place and the ERYC Trophy | Malcolm Osborne and Nicola Marcia |
| Cape
|
Ant and Di Parker |
| Pete’s Pot | Ant and Di Parker |
| Sportsman’s Trophy | Marcia Family |
| Triers Trophy: | Koenie and AJ Otto |
| First Lady: | Di Parker |
| Handicap Trophy | Evelyn Osborne |
| Dolphin Trophy | Pat Mitchell and Andrew Marsh |
| Junior Trophy: | Nicola Marcia |
| Ken’s Stick | |
| Best Boat: | Nicoll Hakkesteeg |
| Turtle Trophy: | Dave Laing |
| 1 St Silver Fleet: | Pieter Doubell and Arno Wolhuter |
For the detailed results, click here.
