National Twelve Open Meeting at Lochmaben, 28 April 2002

 

Against a falling barometer and a forecast of unsettled weather, the 9 starters for the first race at Castle Loch set off into a moderate SE breeze with a wisp of sunshine glancing through the clouds.  The fleet stayed in close contention for the first lap, but at the start of the second lap a vicious squall kicked in from the NE turning the beat into a stormy reach.  Within minutes, the fleet became widely separated, with numerous broaches, nose dives and capsizes.  Only 4 crews managed to recover and finish the second lap.  The order was Bernard Clark first, Peter Chignell second and Peter Roe third.

 

After lunch, the wind had subsided for the start of the second race and conditions again looking almost inviting.  From the start, Bernard Clark took an early lead, but before the fleet reached the windward mark, a second squall raced through, accompanied by stinging rain and hail. Marcus Wheel, who capsized before the start and was 4 minutes late over the line, found himself in third place at the windward mark. Bernard capsized on the reach but recovered to take first place.  Again there were only 4 survivors with Peter Miatt second and Peter Roe third.

 

Conditions again improved, but only sufficiently to tempt 4 starters for the final race.  Peter Roe took an early lead while Peter Miatt was over the line and had to restart.  This was the best race of the series with the wind still testing but less than survival strength.  Peter Miatt fought back into first place, only to lose it again after another involuntary dip.  The finishing order was Howard Elcock first, Peter Roe second, Peter Miatt third and James Nicholson a close fourth. Credit to them all for enthusiasm and perseverance.

 

Hard luck story of the day belonged to Bernard Clark who, after 2 wins, sat out the third race unaware that the sailing instructions stated that the results from all three races would count in the series.

 

The overall results were :

 

First	Peter Roe	Helen Bird	N3149
Second	Peter Miatt	Mathew Ayre	N3448
Third	Bernard Clark	Richard Willeb	N3382
Fourth	James Nicholson	Kirsty Nicholson	N3434

 

The NTOA recorded their grateful thanks to the Annandale race officers and rescue services.