A year and a half ago, Afloat reported on a famous GP14 called Ventura, which had been saved from destruction and was being restored by Derek McCune of Newtownards Sailing Club.
Now Ventura, no 796 built in 1955 and once owned by Ernie Mawhinney of Belfast Lough, is back in the water on Strangford Lough at Newtownards. Three weeks ago, he sailed her for the first time in what is essentially Ventura's second life.
After sorting out the inevitable teething problems, Derek will then concentrate on future plans, which include possibly the Irish Nationals at Lough Erne Yacht Club in August and hopefully the postponed GP14 Worlds next year in Skerries.