National 12 events 2005

Open meeting at Blithfield SC

There was a disappointing turnout of just 5 boats for the 4th annual Blithfield open meeting, probably due to a late change of date and an unpleasant weather forecast. The weather was indeed bitterly cold and windy - around force 5 gusting 6 all day - though it remained dry. The wind, blowing down the length of the reservoir, provided sizeable waves and exciting sailing conditions together with a capsize for each competitor.

Of the 5 boats that launched for the first race, 4 crossed the start line and 3 finished. Graham and Zoe took the lead and then lost it to Rob and Emma following a crew overboard and a capsize! They eventually regained their lead to win by around 100m from Rob and Emma who were followed, at a further 100m or so, by David and Thea.

Races 2 and 3 were held back to back after lunch. Four boats launched for race 2 but Bernard and David retired with a broken boom during the start sequence. Soon after the start Graham and Zoe took the lead followed Rob and Emma and Philip and Thea. These positions remained unchanged throughout the race.

Only 2 boats remained on the water for the last race. Graham and Zoe took the lead from the start to win from Rob and Emma.

Results

1 Babel Fish 3492 Graham Camm & Zoe Ballantyne, Burghfield
2 Ella 3344 Rob Cannell & Emma Cannell, Blithfield
3 Wendy Windblows 3217 Philip David & Thea Armstrong, Yorkshire Ouse

A breezy day at Blithfield