Twickenham

News Article - National 12 Open at Twickenham Sailing Club

For the Thames Challenge Cup

A glorious summer day greeted the 8 boats that arrived on the banks of the Thames to partake in the National 12 Twickenham Open Meeting on the 14th September 2003. There was a light breeze, although slightly fickle in direction, with which the competitors had to contend, but the warmth and sun - more than made up for this in the enjoyment stakes. Race officer Ray Sellings laid a simple figure of 8 course, with the boats starting towards Richmond.

The first race saw Will and Arthur Henderson round the 1st mark just ahead of the chasing pack. On the way back up to the start line, John and Mandy Thornton managed to get in front and these two boats had a close race around the remaining 3 laps of the course with Will and Arthur taking the honours. Third place was closely contested by Bob and Maggie Murrell , Dave and Caroline Croft and Fran Gifford, crewed by Helen Hilditch, with 3rd place eventually going to Bob and Maggie.

A break for lunch and the refreshed competitors were back on the water with John and Mandy taking a flyer off the line at the start of race 2. They held that lead throughout the race, with all of the other boats having a close race. Will, now crewed by elder son Robert eventually took 2nd with Bob and Maggie again 3rd.

With the final result still undecided - along with the wind direction – the last race proved to be the closest of the 3 and the most exciting from the spectators point of view. At the end of the 2nd lap - all 8 boats were within a couple of boat lengths of each other and led to tactical sailing round the mark (which was right outside the race box). Eventually John and Mandy did edge out ahead and a change in direction of the tide allowed them to extended their lead throughout the remaining 2 laps. Will and Robert finished with another 2nd and Bob and Maggie in 3rd.

Overall Results:

1st John and Mandy Thornton N3468 Pillow Fight Henley SC

2nd Will, Arthur and Robert Henderson N3418 New Isabelle Tamesis SC

3rd Bob and Maggie Murrell N3332 Thursday’s Child Chipstead SC