Association News
Christmas is fast approaching and for some this signals the end of the sailing year. Up here in the far north, well at Derwent Reservoir in the North Pennines, we have had some snow, but the hardy few are still managing to get out on the water. In fact, we have even welcomed some new people into our Fleet – Julie and David Craig and what assets they have been, immediately getting involved. Which leads me on to ‘grass roots’ and growing our Association. At 885 members we are certainly doing something right in the sailing world, the GP14 Class continues to thrive and as an Association we are always looking for opportunities to support our membership.
The Craftinsure Super Seven Series is all in place, thanks to the work of Vanessa Devereux. Dates will be on your Calendar which this year will be out in time for Christmas.
For our non-racers we are planning to develop more cruising opportunities. Also, for our newer sailors some opportunities to travel to another venue and develop more basic skills of how to sail their GP in a ‘travel away weekend’, where the emphasis will be on how to pack up the boat, rig and enjoy sailing with others in a new location, all under the guidance of experienced sailors.
Of course, planning even further ahead to February 18th 2022 leaving the cold weather to enjoy the exotic Sri Lanka, is now very much on the radar. What we need to know is whether YOU will be going? A survey will soon be sent out to help get an indication of the numbers of both racers, cruisers and family travelling to the superb Negombo, so we can get the BEST POSSIBLE costings.
So, will you and your family take a winter break in the sun? Do you want to enjoy the fantastic sailing and hospitality of the Sri Lankan people? Do you want to sail in great wind conditions, step out of your boat on to a beautiful sandy beach and enjoy a beer? Please take a look at the presentation…
Good luck to all our racers who continue to promote the GP14 on the SailJuice Circuit – the Draycote Dash is this weekend 17th/18th November. Well done to the 3 GP boats that took part in the BUSA team racing championship, our own Nick Devereux was crewing one of the boats and Ollie Goodhead was in another and Gareth Gallagher in the third. There is no doubt in my mind that racing a GP14 is a superb way to showcase the GP14 as a modern but also “classic” racing boat.
Here’s to fair winds and friendships.