National 12s at Northampton SC
by Tom Stewart on 8 Nov 2012
2012 National 12 Inlands at Northampton SC chunkypics.co.uk
If you had seen a forecast two days before the National 12 Inland Championships held at Northampton Sailing Club over the 3rd-4th November you might have thought better of travelling, however those that made the effort were well rewarded with great sailing, cracking fireworks and a great party.
23 boats raced around challenging courses set by Race Officer Ian Castle in winds from between 25 and five knots.
Graham Camm and Zoe Ballantyne have been the team to beat in 12s this year winning the National Championships and the Gill series. They started to form winning race one but Stevie Sallis reunited with daughter Joanne as crew was hot on their heels with two seconds in the first two races. Jon Ibbotson with Charlotte Stewart providing local knowledge were also looking good with a first and a second, but it was the tricky third race that showed Camm’s class, whilst others put in high scores Graham and Zoe put in another first, with Nick Copsey and Robin Jones who borrowed Jon Ibbotson’s spare ship scoring a much deserved second place.
Behind these two the next nine boats finished within 20 seconds of each other!
Further down the fleet Jon Brown having dug the good ship Tonto out from under the kids toys was showing his class, with local lad Lewis Bowen adding maturity to the team they lead the boats without Tfoils. Ian Smith and Jenny Chen from Midland sailing club were showing a shiny transom to the rest of the Admirals cup boats.(Pre 3414)
Saturday night was spent with fireworks and fun and food courtesy of Northampton SC and we thank them for their fine hospitality.
On Sunday morning it was wet and windy and not at all inviting but again the sailing was great. The breeze was up, at times at least 25 knots. Jon and Katy Meadowcroft had the bit between their teeth and won two races in fine style. The Camm team did enough in finishing second in the first race to win the Inland Championships with a race to spare but Graham kept that under his fleecy hat and he and Zoe stayed out to play in the last race too. Behind the top few boats there were plenty of thrills (fast reaches) and spills (tricky gybes) to keep the spectators happy.
1st Graham Camm and Zoe Ballantyne
2nd John and Katy Meadowcroft.
1st Non Foiler Jon Brown and Lewis Bowen
1st Admirals Cup Ian Smith and Jenny Chen
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