International 14s Perry Pot

Charles Duchesne reports on the final weekend of racing at Itchenor

The International 14 Perry Pot open winter series at Itchenor finished in very lively conditions on Sunday. At the front there was close racing between Roddy Bridge in a 2005 Morrison 12 and Kimball Morrison in a 6 year old Bieker 2.

Kimball has just converted his boat to self tacking and clearly demonstrated the continuing potential of updated older hulls by giving Roddy a very close run for his money. In the end it looked as if Kimball had the edge upwind whilst Roddy who had the advantage of a hydrofoil rudder could push much harder downwind. Maybe when Kimball installs a foil onto the recently converted 'Mad Rags' he will be able to put his foot back on the gas downhill?

In the end, 22 boats took part in the series of 19 races over five weekends. A large contingent from the UK is now on its way to the Worlds in Auckland. Whilst many of the competitors were unable to race for the final 2 weekends having sent their boats south, the overall standing at the front of the pack was not been seriously affected with Archie Massey having sown up the victory comfortably through a very consistent performance.

Series results
1. Archie Massey & George Nurton
2. Andrew Penman & Tim Bastow
3. Charlie Duchesne & Will Broom
4. Roddy Bridge & Toby Lewis
5. Matt & Geoff Larkin
6. Douglas Pattison & Dan Ayton
7. Roger Ewart Smith & Jamie Penman
8. Jeremy Sibthorp & Jason Merron