First for N12 GILL series at Trent Valley

by Zoe Ballantyne on 16 May 2006 Trent Valley saw a very special gathering of 21 National 12 dinghies in the 70th anniversary of the National 12 class. This was the first river venue in the history of the Gill Series, at a club which was one of the very first to adopt the National Twelve Class. Due to the large turnout the fleet was separated into 2 flights.

In race 1, flight 1, Dave Peacock and Tricia Wood took the lead round the first mark and could not be overtaken. In the second flight it was former local John Sears & Lydia Wood who crossed the finish in first place.

As the wind died it was necessary to finish the boats on a line further upstream. So, ankle deep in water, in a RIB with a small leak, the Race Officer rushed up the course and concluded the racing for the day. The winners in flight 1 were Gavin Wills sailing with daughter Jasmine, while Jon Ibbotson sailing with local crew Ann Britton took the gun in the second flight.

On the Sunday in the third race Paul Turner and Shirley Dooley took an early lead of the first flight, but eventually David Wilkins and Susie Sallis took the lead. By the second lap, there was no longer any clear water between the fleets and the leaders of the second flight, Graham Camm & Zoe Ballantyne caught up a number of the boats from the first flight, whilst continuing to maintain a comfortable lead ahead of John Sears & Lydia Wood.

In the fourth race, from a tight bunch at the start of Flight 1, Mike Day and Anne Murch established a clear lead which they held to the end. Flight 2 was dominated by Camm and Ballantyne, followed by Jon Ibbotson and Ann Britton.

For the final race, the first flight was again won comfortably by Camm and Ballantyne, followed again by Ibbotson and Britton. For the second flight, Jon Cheetham and his daughter drew ahead of the pack and finished ahead of Wilkins and Sallis.

Overall Results:

1. N3492 Babel Fish, Graham Camm & Zoe Ballantyne, TVSC
2. N3496 Flipside, Michael Day & Anne Murch, St Catherines
3. N3494 Monkey Business, Jon Ibbotson & Ann Britton, OCSS

Admirals Cup:

1. N3217 Wendy Windblows, Philip & Helen David, YOSC
2. N3209 Rebel, John and Alison Cheetham, Yeadon SC

First Under 21:

1. N3493 Loki, Nathan Harding & Lucy Horsley, Sheffield Hallam USC