Open meeting & coaching at Burghfield S.C

Coaching

Fifteen boats attended the first coaching session of 2007. The participants split into intermediate and advanced groups, ably coached by Graham Camm & Zoe Ballantyne and Nick & Caroline Martin respectively. With the aid of video feedback, the intermediate session  concentrated on tuning and boat handling, with the advanced session tackling advanced rig set up and tactics. The gusty conditions were challenging and served as a good warm up for the new season.

Starting practice - helm raises hand when they think they are on the line

Before

After

Nick will also be coaching at the first GILL series event at Bristol on 31/1 March/April.

Open meeting

Eighteen National 12s turned up at Burghfield SC on 25 March for the second event in the Thames Area series. A large header just as the start gun went caused several pile ups on the start of the first race, but Graham Camm & Zoë Ballantyne, shortly followed by John & Mandy Thornton, managed to tack off early and gain some space on the rest of the fleet. Despite several close battles, Graham & Zoë managed to stay ahead to the finish.

In the second race, the start was very port biased and Antony & Jo Gifford took the pin end at speed. The Thorntons however were first to the windward mark and pulled away from the fleet, until an unfortunate capsize on a gybe. The following pack of four boats continually swapped places on the next few legs, with the Giffords finally taking first from Jon Ibbotson & Charlotte Stewart.

 

Graham & Zoe: photo Marc Sollars

In the third race, the fleet got off to an even start. The wind had increased and was gusty, giving the fleet a good early-season workout. Graham & Zoë were first round the windward mark, with Dave Peacock and Tricia Wood not far behind for most of the race. Fran Gifford & Sophie Mackley eventually overtook Dave & Tricia on the final windward mark to take second place. Junior helm George Smith, crewed by Jackie Whitmey, showed great promise despite their lightweight combination – one to watch for this year.

George Smith & Jackie Whitmey: photo Marc Sollars

 Results: