National 12s at Burwain SC

by Grazz - National 12 on 27 Apr 2012 A fleet of nine National 12s, of widely varying ages (the oldest being a 1958 Proctor mark 4), took part in the event which forms part of the Northern and Vintage series. The prize for the overall winner was the Association of North East Yacht Clubs trophy, a trophy first awarded in 1949.

The first race was held in less than ideal conditions with periods of flat calm and a heavy hail shower. Philip David and Caroline Clarke from Yorkshire Ouse in their Feeling Foolish design led from the gun. A move to the far left of the final beat saw Peter Dewhurst from Burwain sailing a borrowed Design 8 sail into second place.

The wind picked up for the second race but again Philip David established at lead on the first leg which he never relinquished. There was some close racing behind with Mark and Emma Simpson sailing through to second and Patrick Hamilton from the home club just holding off Ed Storey crewed by his son Tom who were sporting a brand new set of sails on their 1988 Crusader design.

The Storeys had a good start in the final race and were keeping pace with Philip David up the first beat. Also up with the leaders was Howard Chadwick and Helen Nicholson in their 1965 Starfish Design showing that in the right conditions the older designs can still hold their own. Once again the Simpsons fought through to take second place ahead of the Storeys and Chadwick. Chadwick's fourth place was enough to secure victory in the Vintage class.

Overall an enjoyable days sailing was had by all with close but friendly competition with perhaps the widest variation in ages of the boats and competitors found in any dinghy class!

Final results

1st 3499 Philip David and Caroline Clark Yorkshire Ouse SC
2nd 3462 Mark and Emma Simpson Scaling Dam SC
3rd 3502 Patrick Hamilton and Diane Barley Burwain SC
4th 3274 Ed Storey and Tom Sorey Ripon SC
5th (and 1st Vintage) 2266 Howard Chadwick and Helen Nicholson Yeadon SC

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