National 12s @ Hornsea Mere

Four national 12s arrived at Hornsea Mere on Sunday 12th September for the 7th event in the Northern Old Spice series. The wind true to forecast was blowing a steady force 3-4. With a casual 11.30 start everyone took to the water for 3 races with 2 to count.

Philip and Helen David took the lead in the first race, closely followed by Mark and Emma Simpson, John and Alison Cheetham and Howard Chadwick and Helen Nicholson. Mark and Emma managed to get over excited at the gybe mark at the end of the first lap and ended up swimming. Philip and Helen sailed in to a convincing lead which they held till to the line. Once upright Mark and Emma fought back to second place, followed by John and Alison, then Howard and Helen.

The entertainment in the race two was also created by Mark and Emma. The Aardvark Technologies' boat led round the windward mark but then set off to the wrong mark, strangely enough the others followed. All 4 boats had a cracking reach to the wrong mark! Having rounded the wrong mark the mistake was realised as other fleets were seen rounding the correct mark. On the way to the correct mark Mark and Emma sailed through an out of bounds area (running aground in the process) and despite leading the fleet over the finish line were disqualified leaving Phil and Helen with their second victory of the day and the meeting in the bag.

John and Alison decided to sit the last race out so the rest of the fleet, all three, took to the water with the right course this time! Phil and Helen lead initially, again chased by Mark and Emma. A poorly executed overtaking manoeuvre resulted in Mark and Emma spinning before resuming the chase. This time Howard and Helen decided it was time for a swim and sampled the Hornsea water. The Davids were caught with less than two legs to the finish giving Mark and Emma their first victory of the day.

Despite a disappointing turnout a great day's sailing was had by all and an important lesson learned.

Overall Result

1 N3217 - Philip and Helen David
2 N3472 - Mark and Emma Simpson
3 N3209 - John and Alison Cheetham
4 N3356 - Howard Chadwick and Helen Nicholson