Vintage 12s at the Norfolk Broads Classic Dinghy Regatta
by Howard Chadwick 17 Aug 2009 18:22 AEST
8-9 August 2009
A fleet of five vintage 12s enjoyed the Norfolk Broads Yacht Clubs Vintage Dinghy Regatta on the 8-9th August and with a total of 17 entries the event is growing rapidly in popularity. It is also part of both the National 12 and the Merlin vintage series and hence hotly contested.
Saturday racing started after lunch as the breeze filled in N2266 Triarda sailed by Howard Chadwick and grandson James Flather led the Twelves at the first mark but N2149 Xanthus sailed by Bernard and Ellie Clark (aged seven and three quarters) soon took the lead with N2468 sailed by Brian Herring and Ros Stevenson in 3rd place. N2344 Brainstorm sailed by Brian and Liz Wady his daughter was 6th overall and 4th N12 whilst class chairman Tim Gatti with son Seb finished 12th overall in N341 Mat his 1938 ribbed Uffa King design.
Race 2 saw the Merlins break clear but the Twelves were still in contention Bernard being 3rd overall and first 12 again this time followed by Brian Herring.
Race 3 brought a dying wind and the Twelves had to work hard to keep a clear wind as the Merlins and International 14s set their spinnakers. The final places were Bernard 1st Howard 2nd and Brian Herring 4th overall and 3rd 12.
Sunday morning dawned with no wind and the entire 12 fleet taking the opportunity to visit N1 Gipsy! Gipsy is being restored by past Burton Cup winner Mike Evans and is now in excellent condition and nearing the fitting out stage. Hopefully she will be ready to join the regatta next year.
Race 4 finally started despite the very light airs and shifts of up to 180 degrees. Even in these conditions Bernard and Ellie performed well although a late charge by Brian Herring almost got him a first place on the finish line, Bernard winning by a two second margin!
For the 5th and final race the breeze had filled in and racing was as close as ever with the lead changing twice on the last two legs. This time Howard and James took first place with Bernard and Ellie only seven seconds behind.
National 12 Results:
1st & 1st overall, N2149 Xanthus, Bernard and Ellie Clark
2nd & 2nd overall, N2266 Triarda, Howard Chadwick and James Flather
3rd & 4th overall, N2468 Suzy Wong, Brian Herring and Ros Stevenson
4th, N2344 Brainstorm, Brian and Liz Wady
5th, N341 Mat, Seb and Tim Gatti
Third place overall went to Merlin 1079 Flinkidink sailed by Mike Stephens and crew. Special prizes were also awarded to Enterprise number 1 and to a Sailing Canoe built in 1913 which is in immaculate condition and sailed very well.
Special thanks are due race officer John Talbot and the Talbot family who all did race and rescue duty as well providing us with our own flag officer David Talbot who looked after us throughout the weekend and together with his wife presented the prizes, a great team effort! Special thanks also to Jamie Campbell for coordination of the event once again we will be back!