Kearney and Nelson Win Irish GP14 Championship Title at Newtownards Sailing Club

1st July 2024

Nip and tuck racing at the 2024 GP14 Championships of Ireland at Newtownards Sailing Club Credit: Bob Given

Ross Kearney and Daniel Nelson (RNIYC) won the 2024 GP14 Championship of Ireland which concluded on Sunday after eight races sailed at Newtownards Sailing Club.

Eight races across 3 days and a variety of conditions tested the 45-boat fleet. Friday saw 3 races in strong conditions with wind up to 25 knots, while Saturday saw the fleet stay ashore with no wind till almost 3:45 before 2 races in shifty light conditions were completed. Sunday saw an amendment to allow 3 races with PRO team of Sheelagh Lewis and Michael Terrell getting a gate start into the mix as well.

There was a 45-boat fleet for the 2024 GP14 Championship of Ireland at Newtownards Sailing Club Photo: Bob Given

Friday saw Kearney & Nelson take a win book-ended by a pair of bullets from Sam Watson & David Johnston (Sutton Dinghy Club). Ross & Daniel and Ger Owens & Mel Morris (WSC/EABC) took the honours in Saturday's 2 races. Sunday saw Sean Craig & Stephen Boyle (RstGYC/SDC) and Chris & Olin Bateman (Monkstown Bay SC) take the first 2 races of the day.

Going into the day Ross & Daniel led from Chris & Olin with Sam Street & Josh Lloyd (Blessington) in 3rd with possibly 9 boats in with chance of a podium spot depending on discards. By the time of the last race, 3 boats still had a chance of taking the title, but with the weather playing tricks and multiple recalls during the day, getting the 3rd race in was never a guarantee and the 2nd discard could be so important.

After a wait and then an abandoned race, the 3rd race was completed with Ross & Daniel making sure of victory with a commanding win. Chris & Olin consistency across the 8 races with nothing greater than a 7th saw them take runner-up spot. A strong finish from Sam & David saw them just pip Sean & Stephen for the final podium spot.

2024 GP14 Champions Ross Kearney and Daniel Nelson at Newtownards Sailing Club

Chris and Olin Bateman were GP14 Championship runners-up at Newtownards Sailing Club

With 7 Youth (U22) crews in the field, the GP14 Ireland focus on encouraging youth involvement is paying dividends. Sam & Josh had to settle for 6th and the Youth Championship trophy. A top 10 finish and the Silver fleet title went to David Evans & William Draper (Sligo) who again showed their promise. They also took the Junior Championship trophy. Definitely ones to watch.

David Evans and William Draper (Sligo) were silver fleet winners at the 2024 GP14 Championship of Ireland at Newtownards Sailing Club

Adam & Emily Torrens (Newtownards Sailing Club) were bronze fleet winners at the 2024 GP14 Championship of Ireland at Newtownards Sailing Club

Another up and coming pair were Adam & Emily Torrens (Newtownards Sailing Club) who were 2nd in the last race, a top 20 finish and the Bronze fleet and with it the inaugural Newtownards Perpetual Wheel trophy.

Download results below

Downloads

final_sailwave_results_for_2024_gp14_championship_of_ireland_at_newtownards_sailing_club_2024.pdf (38 Downloads)

Published in GP14, Northern Ireland Waters

Published in GP14

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