Vintage Twelve’s at the Norfolk Broads Classic and
Vintage Dinghy Regatta
A total of seventeen boats representing eight different classes and
twelve different clubs met at Norfolk Broads Yacht Club on the weekend
of 4th/5th August for what was to be yet another excellent weekend’s
racing.
Unfortunately the usually strong National Twelve
contingent was reduced to four boats due to illness and work pressures
however those of us who made it enjoyed keen racing and the excellent
facilities, welcome and BBQ put on by the host club. The event is
part of the Vintage National Twelve and Vintage Merlin series as well as
the Wyche Tankard for the overall fleet racing.
After a welcome by Vice Commodore Chris Hanson and
a comprehensive briefing from our P.R.O. John Talbot racing was soon
underway on the picturesque Wroxham Broad.
Race 1 was dominated by local (and well known sail
maker) Mike McNamara this year sailing a vintage Hornet with son Sam
whilst Flip Foulds sailing Mike’s Albacore with mum Gilly was hot on his
heels! The top placed Twelve’s were Philip David and Alexander
Philips in N2545 Little Meg in 4th overall with Howard Chadwick and
James Flather in N2266 Triarda finishing in 6th overall.
Race 2 was dominated by Philip this time making the
best of the shifty conditions and thunder storm. Vincent and Fiona
Philips in N2531 Invasion in second place and Felicity posting a third,
needless to say Alex was delighted to have beaten his parents!
Howard managed a fifth just ahead of Mike McNamara on handicap whilst
Brian Herring and Ros Stevenson sailing N1673 managed a creditable 8th
overall. On the water there was much completion between the
Twelves and the Merlins as well as Enterprise number 1 which was going
incredibly well with Jamie Campbell at the helm.
As the thunderstorms cleared the weather turned sunny and the fleet
enjoyed an excellent BBQ in front of the clubhouse and a relaxed
evening.
Race 3 was dominated this time by Flip and Gilly making the Albacore go
very fast indeed in the light to variable conditions although Philip was
hot on her heels finishing 2nd overall with a new crew Charles Talbot.
Howard and James finished in 3rd with Mike and Sam McNamara in 4th.
Sadly Vincent and Fiona were unable to compete due to family
commitments.
Race 4 A new additions this year was the appearance of a fleet of
Bitterns, a local class which although small and slower than most of the
boats competing were having excellent racing within their own fleet and
quietly posting some good results. In this race Bittern 25 Kedgy
Gal sailed by Bruce Thompson dominated and posted a win whilst Bittern
number 1 sailed by David Thrower finished 2nd overall clearly a fleet to
be watched in future events! Flip finished third and Philip
finished 4th whilst Mike had decided to sit this race out putting him
out of contention with all races to count for the overall result
An excellent and competitive weekends racing and with four different 1st
placed boats showing just how close the competition was, only 6 points
separated 3rd to 7th positions, close racing indeed.
Overall results
1st Albacore 6493, Flip and Gilly Foulds 9 points
2nd National 12 N2545, Philip David and Alexander/Charles 11 points
1st N12
3rd National 12 N2266 ,Howard Chadwick and James Flather 23 points
2nd N12
4th Merlin Rocket 2972 ,Mick Crickmore and Richard Holmes 26 points
5th Merlin Rocket 2040 ,Richard Alex Pausey 28 points
6th Bittern 27 ,John Atkinson and Leona Levine 29 points
7th Bittern 25 ,Bruce Tomson (single handed) 29 points
8th National 12 N1673 ,Brian Herring and Ros Stevenson 42 points
3rd N12
Our thanks go to Jamie Campbell for instigating and promoting the event
and to the Officers and members of NBYC for the warm welcome and
hospitality throughout the weekend and a special thanks to John Talbot
and his team for the race organisation, timekeeping and setting some
great courses.
Report written by Howard Chadwick N2266
Photos by Sarah Chadwick
