Allen National 12 Burton Week 2023 at Brixham Yacht Club - Day 1

Allen N12 Burton Week 2023 Day 1 © George Finch

The fleet were very keen to get rigged, with most of the N12s ready before 10:00, despite the fact that the briefing was scheduled for 11:30 with the first race not before 14:00.

After an extensive briefing and a few changes to the SIs (noting the boats taking part in the Cowes to Torbay Powerboat Race tomorrow were due to power through the Burton Cup course), sailing kit was adorned and sails were raised.

A ruthlessly efficient launch team ensured the fleet got away from the slipway and into Brixham Harbour rapidly and once past the breakwater the fleet enjoyed a reach out to the committee boat, only to then be welcomed by a downpour of rain that certainly felt like hail.

Race 1 - Course C (Trapezoid)

A crowded start line, as is always the case at Burton Week, saw the majority of the fleet head right. Nick Copsey & Steve Carver (N3548) led the charge to the left, but right was certainly the way to go with more breeze on that side of the course.

Jon & Sam Brown (N3483) rounded the windward mark in first, followed by Graham & Anya Camm (N3530), Steve & Jo Sallis (N3531) and Ollie Meadowcroft and Cally Terkelson (N3543). On the first reach it was Ollie & Cally who dominated and overhauled the top 3 boats.

Throughout the rest of the race it was Ollie & Cally and Jon & Sam battling it out for first, Ollie & Cally held it together to win the first race, with Jon & Sam 2nd and Tom & Isobel Stewart (N3544) sailing through the fleet into 3rd.

Race 2 - Course D (Sausage, Triangle)

At the first attempt there was a general recall, and on the second attempt there was an individual re-call, yet no-one went back...Tom & Isobel Stewart (N3544) led from start to finish, although were starting to be challenged by Ollie Meadowcroft & Cally Terkelson (N3543) by the 4th lap. Just behind, James & Rory Gifford (N3484) and Jon & Sam Brown (N3483) were in a battle for 3rd, with James & Rory holding it together to finish 3rd.

If you've read the "Runners & Riders" article published on Thursday, Jeremy & Luke Hartley (N3537) were true to form and "a bit wobbly" today. Expect them to be well practiced after today though!

Further down the fleet the fluctuating breeze (more up than down) led to a few of the fleet cooling off during some of the more exciting reaches. Tom Lee & Jen Bugge (N3545) made it two capsizes in two races, and Jon Ibbotson & Tre Jacobs (N3540) made it two capsizes in one race.

Results after Day 1: