National 12 events 2005
Ranelagh SC
Following the gales of the day before, the fleet was initially doubtful as to whether they would in fact get on the water. However 11 crews turned up, with 9 eventually taking to the water and 2 deciding to spectate from the recently refurbished club. With a strong current pushing the boats over the line, starting was difficult. Two packs developed at the start with those at the windward end going for the stronger current and those at the leeward end going for the inside of the bend in the river. Graham Camm and Zoe Ballantyne initially looked good on the windward side but John & Mandy Thornton on the leeward side then pulled ahead in a gust to take a convincing lead. The fleet came back together at the leeward mark with Mike Cooke and Emma Wilkins rounding in second place just ahead of father David Wilkins sailing with another daughter Jenny, who caught a gust and broached during the gybe, causing some anxious moments but no collisions. On the second beat Mike & Emma fought it out for second place with Graham and Zoe, but after gear failure Mike & Emma dropped back allowing Fran Gifford and Jess Brown to slip through to third place. On the next couple of laps, the top three places remained the same. Tactics on the beat included dodging the Christmas trees, avoiding the tide and the wind effects of Fulham's football stadium. On lap 4 Graham & Zoe caught up the Thorntons on the run with a large gust, allowing them to match tacks and eventually slip past on the approach to the football stadium. Final Results 1. Babel Fish Graham Camm & Zoe Ballantyne, Burghfield
SC Special prizes were awarded to the youngest crews on the water, Alex Storey (7) and Mary Henderson (8) Photo courtesy of Nick Price
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