Ripon Gul Series

Saturday 5th October

15 National 12s arrived at Ripon SC to be welcomed by fog and no wind. With light winds forecast, the race officer postponed the first race to allow time for tea and a chat. In due course the flags started flying and the keen Mirror sailors started to make way on the lake. Everyone got ready and launched.

In the first race, Kevin crewed by Andrea and Graham & Zoe led the fleet up the first beat. In the light and shifty conditions Ian & Alex Gore got past Graham & Zoe on one of the beats but were unable to catch Kevin & Andrea. There was close racing behind, with Mark & Anna Simpson finishing fourth.

After lunch, the second race saw a slightly increased breeze. Kevin & Andrea again lead the way from Graham & Zoe, followed by Patrick Hamilton & Gail Kaye. Ian & Alex recovered well from a poor start moving into the lead on the downwind legs and then pulled away. Kevin & Andrea finished second, Graham & Zoe third and Mark & Anna pulled through to fourth.

The deciding race saw Kevin & Andrea and Ian and & Alex swapping the lead for the first two laps, with Ian & Alex pulling away on the final lap. After a rare poor start, Graham & Zoe recovered to third, with Phil David & Emma Hampshire taking fourth.

Ripon Sailing club were very hospitable and a pea and pie supper followed the prize giving.