Paul O’Neill, GP14 Fleet Captain at
Castle Semple Sailing Club in Scotland, is the lucky winner of GP14 14000.
The winning ticket was drawn by British Paralympic 2.4m sailor Helena Lucas at The Dinghy Sailing Show 2008 held on 1st and 2nd March. When Paul first heard that he had won he could not believe his luck and he has still not stopped grinning.
Having pestered his wife, Fiona, for a “new” boat for some time, Paul says he now has no excuses for not winning and is looking forward to sailing his prize boat. Sons Adam and Ewan are among those eager to sail in Dad’s new toy.
Paul is passionate about sailing and has in recent years been pushing for more GP14 sailing at Castle Semple SC where there is currently a renewed enthusiasm and growth in numbers again sailing this popular two person dinghy. Paul sees his good fortune in winning GP14 14000 as a way to fly the GP14 flag in Scotland.
The GP14 is still one of the strongest two person dinghy sailing classes in the UK and Ireland, with fleets around the world. It continues to stand that test of time as a competitive racing boat for sailors young and old.
Paul now can’t wait to collect his boat so that he can take part in the GP14 Training Weekend at Castle Semple SC on 26/27 April and the GP14 Scottish Championship at Annandale SC on 3/4 May.
The prize draw was organized by the GP14 Class International Association and has raised in the region of £7500, which will now be used by the Association to fund initiatives in support of GP14 sailing. The Association would like to send out a big thank you to all those who sold and bought tickets, including many GP14 sailors and friends worldwide.
The prize was generously donated by former GP14 World Champion and current GP14 National Champion Richard Estaugh of Speed Sails, in association with Super Spars and Harken.
For more information on the GP14 Training Weekend at Castle Semple SC email Paul O’Neill and for details of the GP14 Scottish Championship email Duncan Greenhalgh. You can also find out much more about GP14 sailing at www.gp14.org, including details of the World Championship being held in Abersoch, North Wales this August and how you can secure an entry at a reduced fee if you enter before the end of March.
