A fleet of fourteen National Twelves enjoyed unseasonably hot weather
for the open meeting held at Ripon Sailing Club on 1 October. With
a light breeze filling in just before the start the RO, Chris Mark, was
able to set a course with a good long first beat which gave the fleet
chance to make the most of the conditions. Tom and Isobel Stewart
were challenged hard by Philip David and Kate McInnes throughout the
first race but the Stewarts managed to get clear to take the race.
Bernard and Ellie Clark were 3rd, with another home boat, that of Ed and
Tom Storey, in 4th.
The breeze picked up, as forecast, throughout the day and the afternoon
race saw Tom, now crewed by son Robert, take line honours again but
David/McInnes were hard on their heels (and in front of them at times)
which made for great spectating. Clark and Clark battled for 3rd
place with Mark and Emma Simpson, with the Simpsons gaining advantage
and finishing ahead.
The final race saw the Clarks lead until the last 15 minutes of the race
when the wind filled in behind to allow the chasing pack of the
Stewarts, David/Mcinnes and the Simpsons catch up with them and overhaul
them in the final minutes of the race.
An evening BBQ party saw the majority of the fleet making the most of
the sunshine, even if it was dark by 7.30pm!
Overall results
1st Tom and Isobel/Robert Stewart, Northampton SC
2nd Philip David/Kate McInnes, Yorkshire Ouse and Yeadon SC
3rd Mark and Emma Simpson, Scaling Dam SC
4th Bernard and Ellie Clark, Ripon SC (1st Admirals Cup
Boat)
5th Vincent and Alexander Phillips, Yorkshire Ouse SC (1st
Vintage Boat)
6th Ed and Tom Storey, Ripon SC
Burton week
Organising an event