The 2021 GP14 Championship of Ireland got underway at a breezy Lough Erne Yacht Club.
With wind regularly between 15 and 20+ knots, Race Officer Derek Bothwell had the fleet on the water pretty much as scheduled and completed three championship races.
All three were 'Windy and shifty, blowing 12 one minute, 20+ another, some great reaches and plenty of capsizes.' as related by Dan Gill crewing for his dad Hugh.
Sutton Dinghy Clubs Hugh & Dan managed a third in Race one and lie fourth overall, but they were the only ones to get a look in on the scoreboard as Ross Kearney, Shane MacCarthy and Ger Owens between them owned the remaining top three slots in today's races. Download results below.
Ross & Jane Kearney (RNIYC) lead after day 1 with a race win and a couple of seconds. Shane MacCarthy & Josh Porter (Greystones) lies 2nd after winning Race 2 & 3 and taking a 4th in Race 1 behind Hugh Gill. Ger Owens & Brendan Brogan (RSt.GYC) finished the day in 3rd after a 2nd and a couple of 3rds.
East Down's Patrick Hamilton leads the Silver fleet after a very solid day that included 2 top 10 finishes.
Event first-timers from Sutton Dinghy Club Matthew Cotter & Tom Mulligan in 'The Wrong Trousers' lead the bronze fleet with 3 finishes and 2 in the top 20.
Racing continues tomorrow and Sunday, with the forecast looking less breezy which will certainly be welcomed by some of the younger and lighter crews in the 40 boat fleet who have travelled up to LEYC.
Download results below.