Ripon open meeting

Ripon SC hosted their annual National Twelve open meeting on Saturday 10 October 2009.  The fleet were greeted with mist and glassy conditions on the lake when they arrived but bang on cue the wind filled in as the OOD, Chris Mark, delivered the briefing and by the time race one got underway the conditions were near perfect.

In the first race Philip and Helen David (N3217) soon established a good lead over the rest of the fleet, taking line honours.  John and Alison Cheetham (N3468) were second home and this was a pattern which to be repeated throughout the day!  John Nixon and Sue Howe (N3514), sailing their newly acquired Feeling Foolish looked anything but foolish to finish 3^rd.

The second race was sailed in beautiful conditions, with a steady breeze which wasn’t too challenging and allowed for some really competitive racing.  The David and Cheetham boat duo took 1^st and 2^nd places with Howard Chadwick and Helen Nicholson (N2266) showing that in the right conditions Vintage boats can be extremely competitive and finishing 3^rd.  Nixon/Howe were a close 4^th.

The final race saw Brian Herring and Ros Stevenson sailing N2468, another Vintage boat, into 3^rd place behind the Davids and Cheethams, being followed home in 4^th by Andrew and Trudie Wilkinson (N3499).

A great day’s racing was followed by a wonderful supper and social at the club.

Overall results

1^st         Philip and Helen David, N3217, Yorkshire Ouse SC (1^st Admirals Cup boat)

2^nd        John and Alison Cheetham, N3468, Yeadon SC

3^rd         John Nixon and Sue Howe, N3514, Carsington SC

4^th         Howard Chadwick and Helen Nicholson, N2266, Yeadon SC (1^st Vintage boat)