North West Norfolk Week

In contrast to the rest of the country, North West Norfolk Week enjoyed its usual sunny and warm micro-climate, perfect for the 25-plus strong fleet of National Twelves (and, it seems, the local population of ladybirds, which were everywhere). The competitors were put through their paces by the variety of winds, ranging from a force 4-5 at windy Wells to a flat calm mid-race at Blakeney, and by the various eccentricities of the 6 different venues over 11 races in 7 days, which is part of what makes NWNW so unique.

Paul Turner has written a view from the back
 
For those who have never done Norfolk Week before and are wondering what it’s like, brief reviews of the various venues follow below:

Hunstanton

Famous for its red sandstone cliffs, which contrast with the green of the park and golf course above. Admittedly, parts of the town are a little tacky, but the beach is clean and the chalets for hire right next to the dinghy park make a good base for families for the day. The Sea Life Centre is a good family attraction for a rainy day.
 
Key challenges: leaving the dinghy park without an ice-cream from the conveniently placed kiosk, remembering where the sandbanks lie in relation to the race course.
 
Racing: 2 days in a medium breeze with good surfing waves and four winners - John & Katy Meadowcroft (in just launched Rondar Paradigm 2), Tom Stewart & Pip Jefferis, The Pellings and Graham Camm & Zoë Ballantyne.

 
Kings Lynn
 
The sailing club is a little tricky to find amid the town’s one-way system, but is small and friendly with a balcony overlooking the river. The town itself has a pleasant enough shopping centre to keep babysitters occupied.
 
Key challenges: finding the slipway, launching in slippery mud
 
Racing: We were greeted by a visiting replica 15th Century galleon with cannons firing – not to be mistaken for the start signal. Tom Stewart and Pip Jefferis got away on the start line and were never really challenged for the lead. The following pack fought hard for places and split sides of the river, one group going for less tide, the other for more wind. Eventually Graham Camm claimed second place with Ian Gore in third.
 
Wells
 
Famous for its wonderful beach and much-photographed colourful beach huts. The beach is so large that even in August there is plenty of space, and has a good view of the racing area for spectators. The town is about 15 minutes walk away along the sea wall (or 5 minutes by miniature train) and centres around the quayside, where much crabbing takes place. There is an outdoor children’s playground and an indoor soft play space for wet days.
 
Key challenges: getting out of and back into the harbour down the winding channel without running aground or running out of wind. Most competitors were forced to get out and walk at some stage! Wednesday saw the first of the early morning starts (6.30 am), so getting out of bed in time was tricky.
 
Racing: As always seems to be the case, it was windy at Wells. The winners on each day (Paul Pelling and Antony & Jo Gifford) were those who got a good start and arrived at the windward mark first in clean air, while the rest of the fleet jostled for position on the downwind legs.
 
Blakeney
 
A small village set on the edge of the marshes, famous for its seal colony (boat trips available). Tiny club house, but good crabbing potential.
 
Key challenges: Getting to the start area (and back) down a very narrow and shallow creek.
 
Racing: The second early morning start of the week at least had a beautiful sunrise to inspire the early risers. The rising tide lifted the ladybird swarms off the top of the marshes so we were sailing through a pink tide. Halfway through the race the wind died away completely, leaving many going backwards in the ebbing tide. Jon & Charlotte Ibbotson were closest to the shore at this point (with centreboard and rudder lifted) and sidled along the shallows to take the race, with Steve & Joanne Sallis claiming second and wise old man of the sea Patrick Elcombe crewed by Carole Shore taking third place. 

 
Burnham Overy Staithe
 
Host to the Jenny Lee Trophy (not part of the overall week’s results) for N12s in memory of Jenny Lee, a former N12 sailor. Typical Norfolk harbour full of traditional day boats, linked to the sea via a winding creek through marshes.  There is a beautiful walk along the sea defences out to a long sandy beach backed by dunes.

Start of the Jenny Lee (courtesy Clare Hunter)

Key challenges: not running aground on the way to the start on the many groynes protecting the channel.
 
Racing: A lovely evening sail without the forecast thunderstorms, running downwind past parties of visitors barbecuing on the beach at Scolt Head, followed by a splendid reception and prizegiving in the race officer’s house. Tom & Pip found a deep water channel off the start line that also was out of tide and got a clear lead whilst the fleet behind jostled for places.
 
More at: http://www.overystaithesc.org.uk/results09.php#jlee
 
 
Snettisham
 
Is a venue where the water disappears completely at low tide but at high water it is a perfect sailing and the fleet enjoyed two early morning races in a nice force 3.
 
Key challenges: Finding the venue amongst the local caravan sites
 
Racing: The third early morning didn’t put many of the fleet off and so a good size fleet enjoyed the surfing conditions. Graham & Zoë won their second race of the week which put the pressure on Tom & Pip in the final race. Antony & Jo were hot off the blocks in the final race with Graham & Zoë close behind covering Tom & Pip carefully to claim the overall week.
 

Overall results

Full results available at:
http://www.norfolkweek.co.uk/National%2012%202009.htm