National 12 2022 Season Preview
by George Finch, NTOA Chair 6 Feb 2022 10:46 PST
The National 12 class is looking forward to the 2022 season © Kevan Bloor
The N12 fixtures list for 2022 contains a variety of events with the aim of getting as many N12s out sailing as possible. Within recent years there has been an increase in demand for 'Admirals Cup' N12s and the class association is working hard to promote events for this group of National 12 sailors.
The season will kick-off in its usual fashion at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show, on 26th & 27th February. N3551 - 'Over The Rainbow', a Simon Hipkin built 4-Plank Dead Cat Bounce will be on display. We will be next door to Allen's stand, our title sponsor for Burton Week 2022 and you must look out for the competition on our stand, supported by our friends at Dinghy Shack who again are sponsoring the N12 National Series this year.
The optimistically named 'End of Winter Championships' takes place on Sunday 20th March at Royal Harwich Yacht Club, although everyone is encouraged to arrive on Saturday 19th March for the N12 End of Winter dinner, also at RHYC. Entry for both the dinner and the event is now open here:
The National 12 Dinghy Shack Series for 2022 begins on 9th April with a day of sprint racing at Burghfield Sailing Club. With a strong home fleet, this event is a great way to kick off the 2022 season. With 8 races planned, there will be plenty of action on the water! Expect a break for a much needed warm lunch in the clubhouse.
The Dinghy Shack series will head to Salcombe next, for 3 days of racing over the first May Bank Holiday Weekend. The venue has been a favourite for the class for many years with clear blue water, bright Salcombe sun and plenty of ice creams on offer. The racing is always interesting and thoroughly enjoyable. After racing, indulge in the refreshments offered by Salcombe Yacht Club whilst overlooking the Salcombe estuary.
You can expect beautifully varnished vintage National 12s to appear for the National 12 Vintage Championships at Trent Valley Sailing Club on 14th & 15th May. The home of the first ever National 12 open meeting in the 1930s, this event will offer some exciting and challenging river racing. Vintage N12s from the 'Turner Collection' are available for competent helms to borrow.
During the Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend, there really is something for everyone! Enjoy a day of river racing at Yorkshire Ouse SC on 5th June, take part in the 'Classic Revival' at the Llangorse Sailing Club on 4th & 5th June or head to the Plymouth Dinghy Regatta for some sea sailing during round 3 of the Dinghy Shack Series on 3rd, 4th & 5th June. Expect a lot of celebrations to take place off the water this weekend too!
The Dinghy Shack Series continues for round 4 in June at the Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club on 18th & 19th June. Stunning scenery in a beautiful part of the country, normally a good breeze can be expected too.
For the 5th event in the Dinghy Shack Series, the class will once again head to RHYC for a fleet start in the annual Smugglers' Trophy weekend on 16th & 17th July. There will be a boat age/speed based handicap pursuit race on the Sunday, with the N12s racing for the 'Burton Salver'.
During 24th - 30th July the fleet will again be welcomed to North West Norfolk Week, with a N12 start for every race. Expect a more in-depth article about this family holiday/sailing event soon!
For those looking for another family holiday/sailing event, there will once again be a N12 start at the Salcombe Gin SYC Regatta during 7th-12th August. Further details will be available soon!
The pinnacle of National 12 sailing this year will be Burton Week, hosted by Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club from 27th-30th August. We are very pleased to announce Allen as the title sponsor, with every competitor's overall result also counting towards the Dinghy Shack National Series. The very successful 'new-format' Burton Cup will return for a 2nd year, and if my maths is correct, it will be the 80th edition of this endurance race for the Sir William Burton Cup. With plenty of camping for tents and caravans on site, a well-stocked bar with excellent catering and a fantastic social programme lined up, this will be a fantastic event. There will be some N12s available to borrow and look out for further details soon.
In September you can take part in the N12 Scottish Championships at Solway Yacht Club on 10th & 11th September. This will also form part of the Dinghy Shack National Series and is always a delightful venue for National 12 sailing.
For those looking to enjoy some river based competition, the N12 Open at Henley Sailing Club on 25th September and the N12 Open at Twickenham Yacht Club on 16th October should quench your thirst. Two events where having a T-Foiled rudder is not always a benefit!
The Dinghy Shack Series continues in October with a visit to Ripon Sailing Club on 1st October. A favourite for the N12 sailors based in the north but often attracting visitors from all over the country. Expect a very hospitable clubhouse and even overnight camping for those who are brave enough! The Yeadon N12 Open Meeting will take place the day after too.
The Dinghy Shack Series will conclude on day 1 of the National 12 Inlands. The inlands will be held at Northampton Sailing Club on 5th & 6th November. The event is always well attended, with a bonfire and fireworks evening planned as usual to warm up the fleet after the wintery conditions so often experienced.
Events which count towards the various N12 Series:
Dinghy Shack National Series:
Burghfield SC - 9th April
Salcombe YC - 30th April - 2nd May
Mountbatten Centre - 3rd June - 5th June
Yorkshire Dales SC - 18th & 19th June
Royal Harwich YC - 16th & 17th July
Felixstowe Ferry SC - 27th - 30th August
Solway YC - 10th & 11th September
Ripon SC - 1st October
Northampton SC - 5th November
Vintage Series:
Trent Valley SC - 14th & 15th May
Yorkshire Ouse SC - 5th June
Ripon SC - 1st October
Northern Area Series:
Yorkshire Ouse SC - 5th June
Yorkshire Dales SC - 18th & 19th June
Solway YC - 10th & 11th September
Ripon SC - 1st October
Yeadon SC - 2nd October
Eastern Area Series:
Royal Harwich YC - 20th March
Waldringfield SC - 17th & 18th April
Royal Harwich YC - 16th & 17th July
Norfolk Week - 24th & 25th July
Felixstowe Ferry SC - 27th - 30th August
Thames Area Series:
Burghfield SC - 9th April
Henley SC - 25th September
Twickenham YC - 16th October
Full fixture list available at www.national12.org/events/2022