National 12 events 2005

Roswell Trophy 40th Anniversary & Secretary's Cup at Ely SC

Ely Sailing Club celebrated the fortieth running of National Twelve Open Meetings at Roswell Waters on Sunday. Even though the sun was shining, perfect mirror reflections greeted the sailors who had travelled from London, Essex and Cheshire for the event. As the day progressed so the wind gradually filled in from the south west and the third race was sailed in a steady breeze. The Race Officer Alayne Seymour set three challenging courses for the six competitors. However the conditions suited Frances Gifford crewed this year by Sophie Mackley as they took the lead in the first race and were never headed. Gerald Copsey and Gerry Ledger had a very close finish in this race with only four seconds between them. It took Frances a lap to overtake Gerry Ledger and Elizabeth Ross in the second race and with two wins this was enough to retain the trophy.

Sophie helmed the last race but she and Gerry Ledger made premature starts and had to restart . This manoeuvre favoured them as they approached the first mark from a different direction to the rest of the fleet and Gerry led from Sophie and Sue Pelling. Gerry had to do penalty turns as he clipped Sophie's rudder. Sophie took the lead and
crossed the finish line first.

An anniversary cake was cut by Commodore Clare Christan and Jill Sallis the Ely National 12 Fleet Captain. A photo was taken of Jill with John Holttum who had organised the first event 39 years ago and Ivatt Sallis who had been runner up in the Roswell Trophy. This event was first organised to celebrate 20 years of the existence of Ely Sailing Club and 60 years will be celebrated next year. To celebrate the 40th running of the Roswell Trophy the National Twelve Association also awarded the Secretary's Trophy to the winner Frances Gifford. The Prize for the first non self draining boat went to Gerry Ledger.

Results

1. Frances Gifford and Sophie Mackley, Aldeburgh Y.C. 2 points.

2. Gerry Ledger and Elizabeth Ross, Up River Y.C. 4 points.

3. Gerald and Nicholas Copsey, Ely S.C. 5 points.

4. Sue Pelling and Sue May, Up River Y.C. 8 points.

5. Brian Herring and Ros Stevenson, Winsford Flash S.C.9 points.

6. Steve Le Grys and Anthony Copsey, Up River Y.C. 11 points.