Ranelagh open meeting

Compared to the arctic conditions of the previous day the 11 Twelves at Ranelagh enjoyed semi-tropical conditions, a fine breeze and a challenging spring tide. John Thornton crewed by Zoë Ballantyne were hot off the line and caught a nice gust to take an early lead which they held comfortably for the first lap. The pack behind jostled on the long beat back against the tide with almost everyone having a spell at the front of the pack. Unfortunately the spring tide was a little stronger than John had estimated and they hit the windward mark. By the time they re-rounded it Antony Gifford & Juliet Brown had taken the lead.

Jon Ibbotson & Charlotte Stewart challenged for the lead on the second beat but then the doldrums of the football ground relegated the leaders to 3^rd and 4^th as Graham Camm & Clare Hunter found wind further out to overhaul them with John & Zoë hot on their tail. Jon & Char also came foul of the tide at the next windward mark allowing the leaders to get clear. Graham & Clare covered John & Zoë’s moves for the next lap to win the meeting. The fleet then returned ashore to enjoy the 2008 Thames Area prize giving and dinner.

Overall results

1^st Graham Camm & Clare Hunter

2^nd John Thornton & Zoë Ballantyne

3^rd Jon Ibbotson & Charlotte Stewart