CraftInsure National Series at Snettisham SC

Race 1 - 18:30 Start. 12kts breeze.

The fleet of 11 N12s launched ready for the first race of the week, with the course set as 3 laps of a triangle. Clean start with the inevitable sight of Ian & Alex Gore (N3525) and Steve & Jo Sallis (N3531) reaching the windward mark first. Just behind was George Finch & Toby Hunt (N3513) and then the remaining 8 N12s.

A low & slow reach down to the gybe mark, with occasional waves to enjoy. First rounding was a bit ‘wobbly’ for a few, with many thinking “it’s been a while since we gybed at sea”! Bernard & Ellie Clark (N3494) weren’t phased and snuck into 3rd place on the tighter reach towards the line, with George & Toby (N3513) managing to gain the place back upwind and then hold it for the remaining lap. Plenty of close racing in the fleet and a special mention to Kevin & George Iles (N3527) for completing their first Norfolk Week race!

 

R1 Results:

Ian & Alex Gore (N3525)

Steve & Jo Sallis (N3531)

George Finch & Toby Hunt (N3513, no T-Foil)

Bernard & Ellie Clark (N3494).

Race 2 finally got underway after a General Recall from the N12s & Handicap fleets at about 20:00. Similar wind, if a bit lighter but now with an ebbing tide and course set as a windward/leeward. After 2 laps it was Ian & Alex Gore (N3525) 1st, with Steve & Jo Sallis (N3531) 2nd followed by George Finch & Toby Hunt (N3513). Behind the top 3, it was incredibly close with just inches separating the boats downwind.

 

N12 Report - Day 2 at Snettisham Beach Sailing Club 

After yesterday evening's breezy sail at Snettisham Beach, 10 hours later the N12 fleet were back on the water in very different conditions. 

The 7.30 a.m.start saw 13 12's play snakes and ladders with a very tricky first beat. Rob and Harley Ford managed to effortlessly round the mark in first place with Stevie and Jo Sallis in second. However the wind died and shifted and the rest of the 12s were then engulfed by the Allcomer Fleet which had started 3 mins after the 12s. A bit of chaos ensued which included Bernard and Ellie Clarke capsizing at the mark. John Sears broke the pack and moved up to third. 

Luckily the wind filled in again which benefited the 12s at the back of the fleet. The first three boats stayed in the same order to complete just one lap. Paul and Caroline Watson were looking good for 4th place but Ian and Alex Gore pipped them to the post.

There were doubts as to whether a second race would take place. But a slightly stronger breeze saw a glimmer of hope. This time a sausage course, Ian and Alex Gore had a great start and led around the windward mark with a good lead. A very close battle ensued behind between Paul & Caroline Watson, George Finch & Toby Hunt, Kevin & George Iles and Stevie & Jo Sallis.

The wind was dying but with the first lap only 15 minutes for the leaders, the fleet set off for another. Luckily the wind just about held for the 12 class to complete a second lap, which unfortunately wasn't the case for the majority of the Allcomer Fleet. The Gores led to the finish with Kevin and a very happy George (9) in 2nd. Stevie and Jo pipped George & Toby for 3rd with Paul and Caroline in 5th.

 

Results for today's racing overall was:

1st Ian & Alex Gore 3525

2nd Steve & Joanne Sallis 3531

3rd Kevin & George Iles 3527

4th Paul & Caroline Watson

 

1st Ian & Alex Gore 3525

2nd Steve & Joanne Sallis 3531

3rd George Finch & Toby Hunt 3513

4th Rob & Harley Ford 3459

5th Bernard & Ellie Clarke 3494