Harken B14 Seavolution Winter Series Leg Two
The B14 fleet headed up the A1(M) to Rutland Water for the Rutland Challenge for the John Merricks Tiger Trophy to be greeted by
sub zero weather, -5°C. Taking the forecast into account (starting to sound like a gramophone record), several teams decided that the risk of snow and possible stranding, meant that they would have to decline and not attend. However, for the 4 B14s that attended with the rest of the reduced fleet Dave Wilkins and his team provided some great racing over the weekend in hard conditions. The club liad on it's usual welcome, and the briefing included a video message dispatched by Ian Walker from the warmth of the South China Sea where he was still racing in the Volvo Ocean Race
B14s at the Steve Nicholson Memorial Trophy 2012This was to be part of the Seavolution Winter Series, but a combination of the B14 fleet's legendary reluctance to do anything other than sail in a hurry and the popularity of this limited-entry event, which forms part of Andy Rice's "Sail Juice Global Warm Up" series meant that only two boats were able to enter, with even Mark Barnes, series organiser, failing to secure a place. So it was that just 749 (Olly and Gareth) and 766 (Barry and Al) made their was to Northampton SC on Saturday 28th January.
North Sails One Design B14 Seavolution Winter Series Leg OneThe B14 flying circus arrived at Starcross for the Streamer, to be greeted by a southeast wind of 20 – 30 knots. Taking the forecast into account, a number of the travelling teams decided not to travel. This did not stop a record entry for the race over a figure of eight course. With ring masters John Donovan and Mark Elkington in charge, it was going to be a great event.
As the B14s launched, a number of the early starters were returning ashore after finding the conditions overwhelming.
B14s at the Grafham Grand Prix 2012A report from the first big UK event of the year, part of the "Sailjuice Global Warmup" series Two B14s made the trek to Grafham for the annual Grand Prix handicap event on the 2nd of January. Those that attended were greeted by a cold but sunny 15 – 18 knot breeze.
Racing Day 5 – Bohaul Express Australian B14 National Championships – Perth Dinghy SC – 6/01/2011Racing Day 5 – Bohaul Express Australian B14 National Championships – Perth Dinghy SC – 6/01/2011 There were many challenges ahead for the final days racing. Pockets of competition were still alive throughout the fleet and everyone was keen to do well on the last day. The wind was blowing from the west-sou-west and gusting from 15 to 20 knots with the occasional squirt up to 25. The fleet got underway at about 1pm, 1 hour earlier than previous days.
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