Keep your boat dry, upright, and ready to race
Before you wheel your GP14 into position for the week or the off-season:
Especially if you've been sailing in salt or muddy conditions.
Damp air causes mildew and softens varnish.
Allow proper ventilation throughout storage.
They store best indoors.
A quick rinse and dry now saves hours of cleaning later.
GP14s sit naturally on their launching trolleys — but support still matters.
Check the hull rests evenly on the trolley supports. No twisted loading or rocking.
Set the bow cradle height so the hull is level or slightly bow-up (so rainwater drains aft).
If the ground is soft, place planks under trolley wheels to stop sinking.
Chock the wheels if your boat park has any slope.
Pro Tip: Keep the nose just high enough for drainage, but not so much that the boat can roll backward.
Ideally polycotton or vented PVC.
This sheds rainwater effectively.
So the cover can't flap — chafing on the gunwales can mark varnish or gelcoat.
Avoid cheap blue tarps — they trap condensation and kill brightwork.
Club compounds can be breezy, so make sure your boat can't move or fill with water.
Tie the trolley handle to the nearest ground anchor or tie-down ring.
Use a single strap over the cover (with padding) in very exposed parks.
Keep the bow slightly higher so water drains toward the stern bung.
Tighten the cover around the mast and shrouds to keep gusts from lifting it.
Benefit from a light wax polish before long storage.
If your club allows winter storage outdoors:
Remove rudder, tiller, and boom — store these indoors or under cover.
Loosen rigging tension slightly.
Keep sails and ropes dry and indoors.
Every few weeks, check for pooled water or flapping cover straps.
A dry hull and snug cover will see you straight through to next season.
Print this handy checklist and keep it at your boat park for quick reference
Download Storage Checklist PDFAt most GP14 clubs, security isn't the problem — exposure and neglect are.
Your aim is simple: "Keep it dry, keep it covered, and keep it upright."
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