We were happy to see the first race spec Elite GP14 leave the work shop today ready to set sail. We would like to thank everyone that has enabled this to happen and appreciate all the hard work the team has put in. Hopefully we will be able to improve the numbers of the GP14 fleet this coming season.

Any enquiries or information you may require please contact us on 07884 363109.

On Saturday 1st March Steve Parker of SP Boats signed his licence for the production of his new Elite GP14 with the class association. Since the launch early indications look promising and with plenty of orders being placed the start of the year looks good. SP Boats would like to thank everyone who has supported them over the last few years.

one week to go till the GP14 world should be a good one sp boats will be there with around 47 competitors useing Elite sails :) good luck everyone

On Sunday 22nd April, the GP14 Midland circuit travelled across to the Derbyshire/Leicestershire border, for an open meeting shared with the Midland Enterprise fleet. 17 GPs were on the water as the Race Officer, Tim Grey began what turned out to be a very tortuous start sequence, as first the Ents, then the GPs over-pushed the line to trigger a general recall procedure that bought the black flag out to keep the fleets under some sort of control. The breeze fluctuated in strength as large rain  bearing clouds sped their way across the skyline, frequently breaking sweat over the surrounding landscape;  in the squalls the wind maxed at force 4, in the quieter spells, helms and crews both searching for wind.

right was the key to a good race, the first one led for the early part by Dave Young with Chris Cook at the sharp end of the boat. They pulled away from the fleet, although not enough to guarantee them a race win as hunting them down were Carl Jeffs & Steve Parker, closely followed by Rich Bennett & Sarah Davies. With the earlier recalls, the mid-fleet Enterprises started to have an impact on the chasing pack as racing throughout the fleets was nip and tuck, both fleets fighting tooth and nail for every position. By the end of the race, Jeffs/Parker managed to squeeze by the leading pair to take the gun, Bennett/Davies coming a close third.
Race two saw a troubled start for several of the fleet. Confusion reigned as sail numbers were called of boats who were adjudged to be OCS, photographic evidence apparently somewhat unsupportive of the claims. Richard Instone was unperturbed by the problems for others, as he along with Jim Toothill up front built an unassailable lead over the rest of the fleet. They were able to pick their way around the course to take the gun. Dave Young flew through the fleet, as he’d returned to correct his OCS, ending up in take his second 2nd place of the day. Rich Bennett was able to fend off a firm challenge for his position to take his second 3rd. 

 
With such mixed results from the first two races, there were for a second week in a row, a plethora of potential victors going into the last race. Sam Watson, the current youth champion crewed by Andy Hunter controlled this race from start to … well … almost finish. Their light wind sailing skills got them up the first beat and away with quite a convincing lead, behind them Instone and Jeffs looking to win the event with a good final result. Jeffs/Parker were able to bridge the gap to the leading boat, taking the lead for spells, dropping behind for others,  as the beat & run tactics made a difference in the inconsistent breeze. The key moment of the race came when the OD decided to give the fleet another lap in a dying breeze, a decision that was to cost Watson/Hunter a race win. Jeffs got the lead at the crucial moment, an hour and 20 mins in, crossing the line to take the race and the event, Instone taking a distant third.
Carl Jeffs & Steve Parker won their first event on the Midlands circuit for a few years – increasing their stock for a potential world’s campaign later in the year.
The next event for the Midland GP fleet is on 5th May,  the Inlands at Pitsford Reservoir, Northampton, a 3 day event, briefing at 12.00; first race 13.00 on the Saturday. Entries are open online at www.GP14.co.uk. Please note: entries are only open until Wednesday 2nd May. Turn up to enter on the day and the club are extremely likely to refuse entry. I wouldn’t risk it.

1  Carl Jeffs Steve Parker14089Trimpley1712
2 Richard InstoneJim Toothill13931Blithfield & Chase5134
3 Dave YoungChris Cook14097Shustoke2264
4 Rich BennettSarah Davies13711South Staffs3346
5 Sam WatsonAndy Hunter14089Nantwich6928
6 Matt ThursfieldSarah Froggatt13931RYA7459
7Neil DaviesAdam Froggatt14032Chase481112
8 Peter JaquesPeter Tate14039Chase85813
9 Mark FlemingSeonaid Fleming13859South Staffs96713
10 Chris WintersIain Leiper13662Midlands1113920
11 Mike HeaneyPaul Heaney13446SHSC10101220
12 Catherine GroveRob Slack13979Shustoke & Chase13111021
13 Nicky RobinsonJohn Robinson13785SHSC12121824
14 Darrell SleepCharles Saunders14072SHSC14141327
15 John GeorgeRichard Barnett13407SHSC15151429
16 David EwbankKamran Ewbank13260SHSC18171532
17 Stuart BerryAndy Jukes13748Aldridge16161632

Matt Thursfield - 23rd April 2012

Elite Sails and SP Boats would like to congratulate Paul Owen on winning the Midland Area Championships last weekend.Paul who was sailing a Duffin GP prepared by SP Boats and sails by Elite sails powered there way to victory at the championship.This was the second major championship victory for Elite Sails in there first year of the new venture. With the inlands this coming this weekend we are hoping for yet more success. SP boats wishes everybody good luck who is competing this weekends Inlands Championships.

S Parker - 06th October 2011

2012 is set to be a BIG year for the GP14 fleet. Close tactical racing is what GP14 racing is all about. It doesn’t matter which boat you sail, the competition is tight throughout the fleet.

For the 2012 Grand Prix we are delighted to announce SP Boats & Elite Sails are the title sponsors. SP Boats and Elite Sails have promised a fantastic collection of prizes for the circuit, but as an added incentive, they are also offering a 15% discount on sail, boat and cover repairs to sailors that compete in at least 2 Grand Prix Events.

A number of positive changes are also being implemented to make the National Grand Prix circuit bigger and better including:

• A 3 Day Inland Championship to be held at Northampton Sailing Club between 5^th and 7^th May.
• A MASSIVE World Championships at Looe Sailing Club, Cornwall from 11^th-17^th August. At the time of writing 107 ENTRIES have already been received!
• A new End of Season Championship and Grand Prix prize giving party to be held at Royal Windermere Yacht Club on the 20^th/21^st October. This event does not count towards the 2012 results but will be the first event of the 2013 Grand Prix. A great chance to round off a quality season and get an early result on the board for the 2013 circuit.

www.gp14.co.uk