On a weekend full of expectation, this GP14 championship certainly didn’t disappoint writes David Johnston. Being the last event of the year, a big turnout was expected and with 28 boats competing over the weekend, a big turnout was what we had. The weather was very kind to the fleet - a steady breeze throughout and the rain holding off.

With a clean sweep of events on the cards, Shane MacCarthy & Damian Bracken started where they had left off claiming a very convincing 1st in race 1. Ger Owens & Melanie Morris claimed 2nd spot holding off local boat Alan Pinder & Kevin Hackett. It was Keith Louden & Alan Thompson who grabbed the top spot in race 2 from Sean Craig & David Johnston 2nd and Ger & Melanie 3rd in what was a very close battle with positions changing frequently throughout. However no one could deny Ger the coveted 1st place in race 3 with Shane & Damian and Keith & Alan settling for 2nd and 3rd respectively. After starting quite well, Sean & David dropped out of this race having suffered the all too well known, spinnaker halyard caught around the jib shackle. An earlier amendment to the notice of race allowed for a possible 4 races on Saturday to try and allow an early finish on Sunday to accommodate the rugby. And so to race 4, the last race of the day, the wind had held on for us and everyone was raring to go. In what was a hot contest coming down to the final beat, it was Ger & Mel who would be first to return to shore followed closely by Sean & David who were even more closely followed by John & Donal McGuinness. Rumours had surfaced that a certain Shane MacCarthy had been feeling “poorly” all day with a close source reportedly fearing for his life and nose in the 4th race after some questionable smells began to arise from the back of the boat. When all the sailors were in off the water, it was into the clubhouse to gather around the small television screen to watch the Springboks take on Wales in the first of the 2015 RWC quarter-finals. After some exciting rugby and lovely scones provided by the club, it was time for the evenings dinner in Mullingar town. Danny Byrnes pub was where the sailors regrouped. Into the backroom for some grub, and for many, the pleasant surprise of a giant projector ready to show the thrashing of France at the hands of the mighty All Blacks.

Sunday morning, early start and after many forecasts of sub 5 knots, it was a great sight to see ripples all over the lake…..racing would go ahead. With the much anticipated Ireland match on at 1pm, a tight schedule had to be kept in order to make it back in. Of course in true competitive GP14 fashion, there was a general recall for race 5. However to the joy of all, the race officer was well on top getting the race away with very little further delay. Having had to settle for 2nd in most of the events previously, there was no standing in the way of a determined Ger Owens & Melanie Morris who sailed fabulously again claiming their third 1st of the event. Saying that, they were made work very hard for it with Curly Morris & Laura McFarland in hot pursuit to claim 2nd. Having had a poor race, only managing a 12th, Shane & Damian had left the door wide open for Sean & David to possibly snatch 2nd from their grasp with only 1.25 points separating them going into the final race. After sailing at such a consistently high level all event, it was only right that Ger & Mel claimed the final race for a comprehensive event win. Shane & Damian claimed 2nd, securing 2nd place overall, and JP & Carolyn McCaldin sorting out their rig settings to finish the last race in 3rd position. Sean & David finished 7th to claim 3rd position overall. It was fair to say the real race was to get in and pack away the boats in order to claim a good seat for the match. Mullingar provided a projector to save our eyes from the small tv screen. Despite the disappointing result there was a great atmosphere nonetheless. While the exciting running rugby of the Pumas was thrilling to watch, I think the most entertaining moment, albeit slightly terrifying, was Ger Owens attacking the poor couch in which he sat in as Ireland launched a 2nd half comeback.

Silver Fleet Winners Katie Dwyer & Michelle Rowley

Bronze Fleet Winners Adrian Lee & Edward Coyne

After a fantastic weekend, it is only fair to thank Mullingar Sailing Club for putting on such an enjoyable event. Under time pressure and shifty wind, the Race Officer got through all races quickly and set great courses. The shore crew who looked after the tired and cold sailors as we came ashore, providing endless scones, coffee, tea, biscuits and even some mulled wine. And of course to all the boats that turned up to make this end of season event very special. After a year of so much success .… roll on next season!