National 12 events 2005

Series Results: Series, (e) Eastern, (m) Midlands, (n) Northern, (s) Scotland, (sw) South West, (t) Thames

Previous years: 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Nottingham SC open meeting

9th May saw a small gathering of National Twelves from around the country enjoying some exciting sailing at Nottingham SC in the very shifty breeze, which was touching force 6 in the frequent gusts.

Defending the trophy they won last year Graham Camm & Zoe Balalntyne took an early lead in the first race in their Numinous, followed by David Wilkins & Suzie May in a Feeling Foolish. Graham & Zoe teased the following boats with a swift capsize towards the end of the first beat but a lightning quick recovery ensured that they lost no places. Mike Cook & Emma Wilkins in their Big Issue 2 took up second place as an errant tiller extension in the Wilkins/May craft made for a very slow and wet tack. Patrick Elcombe also took advantage of the incident to take 3rd place. Several crews took unexpected swims throughout the race with the water giving no clues as to the direction of the next gust.

The second race was postponed to allow the wind to drop sufficiently to make rigging and launching possible - just three boats took to the water in the afternoon following the postponement. David & Suzie took the early lead but could not hold back the challenge from Graham & Zoe who soon built up a substantial lead. John Sears and Sue Jones took 3rd place.

The call of an excellent supper at Trent Valley SC, preceded by a committee meeting with the late start of the second race determined that the fleet packed up for the day with many moving on to Trent Valley SC for their open meeting the following day.

1st 3492 Graham Camm & Zoe Ballantyne Burghfield SC
2nd 3469 John Sears & Sue Jones/ Lindsey Ogden Trent Valley SC
3rd 3481 David Wilkins & Suzie May Spinnaker Club

David Wilkins & Suzie May

John Sears and Sue Jones