Newtownards Sailing Club hosted this year's GP 14 Championship of Ireland. Sutton was well represented with seven boats taking part. The event was sponsored by Ards Tourism and attracted 46 boats from throughout Ireland and Great Britain.
The best of the best were there. From race one the weather conditions were steadily worsening; average wind speeds were in excess of 20 mph with gusts to 25 mph and occasionally 30 mph. The dark heavy sky laden with squalls added to the drama. As the fleet got underway, boats capsized on and after the starting. The strong wind made tactics of less importance than just sheer boat handling. Rarely, for the GP fleet, many competitors opted not to fly the spinnaker on the downwind legs and those that did ran the risk of a capsize especially at the gybe mark which got very congested with upturned boats. The windward legs sapped the energy of helm and crew.
The second day's sailing was cancelled due to even stronger winds.
As a total contrast day three was glorious sunshine but with light winds. Tactics came into play here and the English pairing of Andy Tunnicliffe and Chris Robinson reigned supreme, winning both races to give them the Championship overall.
It was a very demanding event on the water for the newcomers to GP14s, it was a baptism of GP sailing even if they did not finish a race ... I believe they will come back for more.

Results were: 1st Andy Tunnicliffe and Chris Robinson RWYC;
2nd and top Irish boat Tim Corcoran and Brendan Brogan, SYC;
3rd Carl Jeffs and Steve Parker TSC.
1st Silver Fleet Cathal Sheridan and David Cook, Skerries SC;
2nd Lawrence Baalham and Tony Brown, Newtownards Sailing Club
3rd G O'Sullivan and H McNally SDC.
1st Bronze Fleet Maurice Baalham and Gary Brown, Newtownards Sailing Club; 2nd Bill Johnston and Stephen Byrne LFYC;
3rd I Beattie Orr and R Murray SDC.
Best placed SDC boat was Paul Maguire and Stuart Boyle with 7th over all.