National Twelve Open Meeting at Bristol Corinthian YC, 28 April 2002

 

 

Blustery conditions greeted the 14 Twelves that attended the Bristol Corinthian open meeting.  With the wind forecast to increase, race officers Steve Hobbs and Peter Knight, wisely opted to sail the first two races back to back.

 

The first race started in a steady force 5 gusting 6, Gavin Willis crewed by daughter Chloe lead at the windward mark before being passed by John & Katy Meadowcroft in their new Final Chapter, showing exception all round speed. Mike Cooke and Smilie John also passed Willis before the finish. With the Meadowcrofts retiring, as his boat hasn’t been fully measured Graham Camm and Zoe Ballantyne picked up third place.

 

The second race started in similar conditions and after a short lull, increased again. Meds finished first on the water but again retired, leaving Willis first, Fran Gifford and Jessica Brown second with Jimmy and Andrew Millar third. Cooke opting for early lunch having swam prior to the start.

 

All was to play for going into the last race, with Cooke needing to win. Gifford, Willis and Cooke were the only starters in an increasing force 6. Willis lead at the first and took off down the first reach to the gybe while Cooke and Gifford opted for a luffing match with Cooke benefiting from Gifford’s shredded mainsail. Both remaining boats made the gybe with Cooke showing extraordinary offwind speed to overhaul Willis before the leeward mark. The lead changed twice on the beat, Cooke managing to hold the lead onto the reach before being blown in - handing the race and the meeting to Willis – or did he? In a cruel turn of fate, Willis suffered a broken mast with only half of the final reach to go. With Cooke taking another dunk at the gybe, Willis bravely tried to continue on a jury-rigged mainsail. Cooke recovered in time to pass Willis who finally opted for retirement.

 

Final positions:

1^st: Mike Cooke and Smilie John N3472 (Big issue)

2^nd  Gavin and Chloe Willis N3389 (Baggy 2)

3^rd Frances Gifford and Jessica Brown N3431 (Feeling Foolish)

4^th Jimmy and Andrew Millar N3315 (Crusader)

5^th Phil Bush N3467 (Feeling Foolish)