The GP14 Ireland Class managed to get an event in its calendar completed last weekend, when Blessington hosted the Autum Open & Youth Championshsips. This was a significant moment in a year that should have seen the GP14 Worlds come to Skerries back in July. With the 2020 calendar decimated, it fell to Blessington Sailing Club to draw a signiicant 20 boats to the start line for a combined Autumn Open & Youth Chapionships. Where usually there is much switching of boats to facilitate 2 events on the same weekend, a single combined event meant sailors remaiined in their boats for the duration. A big effort by Blessington was rewarded by beautiful if windy weather and an event enjoyed by everyone who made the effort to attend. International Class President Curly Morris was on the startline for the 5 race series. 
The event hosted by Sutton Dinghy Club last year, saw 3 Youth crews from Sutton attend with Peter Boyle (Shane O’Brien/Joe Doherty), Conor Twohig (Matthew Cotter) and one of our favorite Instructors Meg Tyrrell borrowing last years Youth Champion, David Johnstons boat for the event with Jane McClean & David crewing Sat & Sun respectively. Conor was there or there abouts and might feel a little unfortunate with regard to course layouts during Saturdays 4 races, while Peter Boyle couldnt match Youghals Ed Coyne but did take the U19 title. With gusts of 25knots, Meg & David had a cracking race on Sunday finishing close 3rd behind Ger Owens. It turned out to be the only race of the day and after 5 races in total Ger Owens (Mel Morris) retained his Autumn Open title with Ed Coyne (Colman Grimes) taking the Youth Championship. Full report and results on the GP14 Ireland wensite.