The final 2 races were delayed due to light wind with Championship rule precluding starting in less than 6kts. With racing eventually underway Sutton Dinghy Clubs Alan Blay & David Johnston took their 2nd race victory of the event in Race 8. An amazing achievement for this young team.
Regular visitor to Sutton Dinghy Club, Greystones SC Shane MacCarthy held the overnight lead and with their nearest rivals Flynn & Froggat out of the top 4 in Race 8, MacCarthy and his crew Andy Thompson were the new UK Champions without having to sail the final race. A first Irish victory in one of the GP14 most prestigious events since Ballyholmes Burton Allen way back in 1965.
A 15th in Race 9 for the young Sutton pair was discarded leaving them in 6th overall in their first UK Nationals. Talking to the guys last night, they were in great spirits despite missing out on the 5th place. 8 top 10 finishes, 2 race wins and an event where they lead and competed within the top 5 all week was a huge step forward on the pair. It will be a great night in Brixham YC for the small Irish contingent with 5 race win trophies from the 9 and the not so small matter of a Championship trophy to collect between them.
Following a strong showing at the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta last month, where with 35 boats the GP14 had the largest class representation, these results show the Irish GP14 fleet to be ultra competitive also. Enjoy the evening guys, you all deserve it. 
[whohit]-2015 GP14 UK Nationals D5-[/whohit]