The 3rd round of the Lairwell (Scottish) series for National 12’s
took place on 5 and 6 July and was hosted by Solway Yacht Club.
The fleet was almost perfectly split into equal portions of self
draining, Admiral’s Cup and Vintage (cleverly referred to as ‘self
swamping’ by Gary Holdsworth) boats and it was wonderful to see some
quite elderly craft take to the water despite the very windy conditions
on Saturday, the oldest of which was 50.
PRO Duncan Gillespie set the course within the bounds of the estuary,
which was a very wise move and one welcomed by the fleet as it protected
them from the waves which could be seen further out. In the first
race Mark and Emma Simpson overtook Bernard Clark/Elaine Ross on the 2nd
reach and never looked back. Stewart Miatt/Lee Lower took 3rd
place, sailing with the handicap of a kicker which only worked when it
felt like it and when it was ‘working’ it wasn’t doing much.
Bronagh Gillespie/Ailsa Ross sailed Ian Purkis’s N1620 brilliantly
considering it was their first time in a 12 and the wind was a steady
force 5 with bigger gusts. Unfortunately they got swamped
within 100 yards of the finish line but were given a finish in
recognition of their exceptional sailing.
Race 2 saw the fleet depleted somewhat, with only 7 boats taking part as
others sailed in to do repairs or headed to the beach to empty out.
Simpson/Simpson flew away from Clark and Ross, who capsized on the start
line with just 10 seconds to go, and were never to be stopped.
Clark and Ross recovered to take 2nd place. The course involved a
particularly hairy run which tested the nerves of all those who
competed!
Race 3 was sailed in even windier conditions and saw the fleet further
depleted with just 4 starters. The Simpson’s took the gun,
followed by Clark/Ross and Tim and Seb Gatti (N2255). Miatt and
Lower retired to undertake repairs when the boat became uncontrollable
on the run and broached.
The evening was spent in a very happy gathering at Ian and Margaret’s
and Ian managed to produce some wonderful food from the BBQ despite some
heavy showers.
Sunday morning was rather wet and grey but the wind had lessened off and
this made for more pleasant sailing. Clark and Ross found the
conditions just to their liking and claimed line honours, with
Simpson/Simpson second and Miatt/Lower third. The fleet struggled
to get out to the start line due to the incoming tide, lack of wind in
the river and the effects of a late night! At times when the rain
came down visibility was less than 100 yards but as the fleet got clear
of the upper area of the estuary they could plane happily away to the
start line.
Great sailing at a fantastic venue – we’ll be back next year!
Overall results
1st Mark and Emma Simpson, Scaling Dam SC
2nd Bernard Clark/Elaine Ross, Ripon SC and Solway YC
3rd Stewart Miatt/Lee Lower, Yorkshire Ouse SC and Solway YC
1st Vintage Tim and Seb Gatti, Yeadon SC
1st Time 12ers Bronagh Gillespie/Ailsa Ross, Solway YC
