National 12's at the Norfolk Broads Y. C. Classic and Vintage Dinghy
Regatta.
A fleet of five vintage 12's enjoyed the Norfolk Broads Yacht Clubs
Vintage Dinghy Regatta on the 8-9th August and with a total of 17
entries the event is growing rapidly in popularity. It is also part of
both the National 12 and the Merlin vintage series and hence hotly
contested.
Saturday racing started after lunch as the breeze filled in N2266
Triarda sailed by Howard Chadwick and grandson James Flather led the
Twelves at the first mark but N2149 Xanthus sailed by Bernard and Ellie
Clark (aged seven and three quarters) soon took the lead with N2468
sailed by Brian Herring and Ros Stevenson in 3rd place. N2344 Brainstorm
sailed by Brian and Liz Wady his daughter was 6th overall and 4th N12
whilst class chairman Tim Gatti with son Seb finished 12th overall in
N341 Mat his 1938 ribbed Uffa King design.
Race 2 saw the Merlins break clear but the Twelves were still in
contention Bernard being 3rd overall and first 12 again this time
followed by Brian Herring.
Race 3 brought a dying wind and the Twelves had to work hard to keep a
clear wind as the Merlin’s and International 14's set their spinnakers.
The final places were Bernard 1st Howard 2nd and Brian Herring 4th
overall and 3rd 12.
Sunday morning dawned with no wind and the entire 12 fleet taking the
opportunity to visit N1 Gipsy! Gipsy is being restored by past Burton
Cup winner Mike Evans and is now in excellent condition and nearing the
fitting out stage. Hopefully she will be ready to join the regatta next
year.
Race 4 finally started despite the very light airs and shifts of up to
180 degrees. Even in these conditions Bernard and Ellie performed well
although a late charge by Brian Herring almost got him a first place on
the finish line, Bernard winning by a two second margin!
For the 5th and final race the breeze had filled in and racing was as
close as ever with the lead changing twice on the last two legs. This
time Howard and James took first place with Bernard and Ellie only seven
seconds behind.
The final N12 class results being
N2149 1st also 1st overall - Xanthus - Bernard and Ellie Clark
N2266 2nd also 2nd overall - Triarda - Howard Chadwick and James Flather
N2468 3rd also 4th overall - Suzy Wong - Brian Herring and Ros Stevenson
N2344 4th - Brainstorm - Brian and Liz Wady
N341 5th - Mat - Seb and Tim Gatti
Third place overall went to Merlin 1079 Flinkidink sailed by Mike
Stephens and crew. Special prizes were also awarded to Enterprise
number 1 and to a Sailing Canoe built in 1913 which is in immaculate
condition and sailed very well.
Special thanks are due race officer John Talbot and the Talbot family
who all did race and rescue duty as well providing us with our own flag
officer David Talbot who looked after us throughout the weekend and
together with his wife presented the prizes, a great team effort!.
Special thanks also to Jamie Campbell for coordination of the event once
again we will be back!
Report
Howard Chadwick N2266
Photos Sarah Chadwick:-
Ref 057
N2149 and N2266 racing hard in race 1
