GILL series at Ripon and Summer EventA total of 37 National 12s competed in their 2007 ‘Summer Event’ on 7 and 8 July which this year was kindly hosted by Ripon Sailing Club. The weekend sought to bring together all ages of boats and crews for a weekend of racing and socializing, and with helms/crews ranging from 6 to over 70 and boats as old as N153 through to the very new N3502 the event remit was well met. The vintage fleet was particularly strong at this event with a total of 13 vintage boats taking part. After near non-stop rain for the preceding week competitors were pleased to be greeted with a superb breeze and sunshine. Two races were held on the Saturday. OOD, Chris Mark, set a course for Race one which saw a number of boats miss a critical mark and having to retire as a result. Graham Camm and Zoe Ballantyne romped home in the lead. Competitors took careful note of the course for race two and there were less retirements as a result! Graham and Zoe once again took line honours, demonstrating impressive heavy weather sailing skills. Others were not so lucky – Ian Purkis bringing his Vintage boat back to shore in submarine mode after a new bow buoyancy bag burst.
After sailing had finished Class Association Vice Chair, John Meadowcroft, made a presentation to the retiring Vintage Wing Rep, Ken Goddard, in recognition of all his hard work since he took over the role in 2000. After John had paid tribute to Ken’s work and the enthusiasm he had brought to sailing Vintage boats, Ken was presented with a Decanter (and some Port to go in it!) and with flowers for his wife.
Sunday began with a pursuit race, based on the class handicap times, tweaked by computer whiz Graham on the basis of performance on Saturday. The Vintage boats enjoyed some of the best wind, generally managing to get through the narrows before a calm patch hit, hindering the later starters. The handicapping system used was described by John Meadowcroft as ‘ABC’ – or ‘anyone but Camm’ and the system worked! Vince and Alexander Phillips won, with Brian Herring and Ros Stephenson second. The first ‘modern’ boat was N3230, sailed by Simon and Matt Hopkins in 10th place. The first double bottomed boat was N3492, sailed by Graham and Zoe into 14th place.
Two further races were held on Sunday. The Meadowcrofts took an early lead in the first race, only to sail the wrong course (taking a number of the front runners with them). Local helm Howard Chadwick sailed the correct course and with the leaders having to retrace their steps the Camms were soon at the front of the fleet, a position they held to the end. The final race was sailed in lovely conditions, with blue skies and a steadier breeze. The Camms took line honours again. Positions: 1st Graham Camm and Zoe Ballantyne, N3492, Burghfield SC 2nd John and Katy Meadowcroft, N3473, 3rd Sam and Fiona Mettam, N3429, 1st Admirals Cup & 1st Vintage – Philip and Helen David, N2545, Yorkshire Ouse SC 1st Junior – Philip Benn and David Moore, N3447, Ripon SC 1st Family – Gavin and Sabrina Willis, N3485, Bristol Corinthian YC 1st Pursuit Race – Vince and Alexander Phillips, N2531, Yorkshire Ouse SC The N12 fleet thank Ripon SC for hosting such a wonderful weekend. See more photos on the club's web site. Results:
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