National 12 Derwent Handicap Open Meeting
Sunday 4th September 2011
Unfortunately, two regular visitors were unable to attend on the day so
there were four vintage 12’s and one Firefly, a derivative of the N12
class, competing to have their name on the Club’s new trophy, a
beautiful scale model of National 12 ‘Roamer’ N261; an Uffa King design
once owned by the Club’s honorary president Frank Hazelwood’s. The model
was built by Royston Hickman who had crewed for Frank in the 1950’s and
had recently donated it to the club.
The racing was run following the Derwent handicap rules, the first race
a scratch race, with personal handicaps allocated for the second pursuit
race and again adjusted for the third race. All races to count to give
the final position hence, a 75 year old ribbed boat can have a chance of
beating a more modern vintage design. However, it does mean that
the fastest boat does not necessarily win the meeting.
A beautiful sunny day greeted competitors with a light breeze that
gradually strengthened to a force 4/5, with substantial fluctuations in
direction and strength by the end of racing. The first two races were
held on a small figure of eight course. The start for the third and
final race was signalled just prior to the Club’s Autumn Class race,
with the 12’s consequently sailing amongst a large and varied Club fleet
across a wider area of the lake – which made for some interesting and
sometimes challenging sailing situations!
In Race 1: Paul Turner/Tricia Peacock (Trent Valley SC) took an early
lead, followed by Brian Kitching/Sue Beynon (FOSSC).
Race 2: With the strengthening wind the race order was almost reversed,
with Tim Gatti (Yeadon SC)/ Alex Lamb (FOSSC) first and John and Edward
Kilgour second.
Race 3 was to be the deciding race, and after a first lap which saw the
leading 12’s on a dead run towards the start line with the Club fleet
still waiting for their starting signal, it was Tim Gatti (Yeadon SC)/
Alex Lamb who eventually managed to retain their first place following a
close final beat with Brian Kitching/Sue Beynon, who finished second.
The Firefly of Bruce and Lynn Richardson (FOSSC) finished third in all
races.
Overall results
|
1 |
Tim Gatti |
Alex Lamb |
N2335 |
7 |
|
2 |
Brian Kitching |
Sue Benyon |
N1657 |
9 |
|
3 |
Bruce Richardson |
Lynn Richardson |
F2739 |
9 |
|
4 |
Paul Turner |
Tricia Peacock |
N2487 |
9 |
|
5 |
John Kilgour |
Edward Kilgour |
N2607 |
11 |
Special thanks go to Race Officers Andy Smith and Lynn Gregson for
running a difficult day to a good standard and on time, to Brian
Kitching for organising the event and providing an excellent lunch and
the Frampton SC for hosting another very enjoyable event.
We look forward to returning next year and trust that the sun will again
be shining.
Photo attached : FOSSC N12 Vintage Winners Tim Gatti and Alex Lamb with
the new ‘Roamer’ Trophy.
Burton week
Organising an event