Frampton vintage open meeting

National 12 Derwent Handicap Open Meeting
Sunday  4th September 2011
 
Unfortunately, two regular visitors were unable to attend on the day so there were four vintage 12’s and one Firefly, a derivative of the N12 class, competing to have their name on the Club’s new trophy, a beautiful scale model of National 12 ‘Roamer’ N261; an Uffa King design once owned by the Club’s honorary president Frank Hazelwood’s. The model was built by Royston Hickman who had crewed for Frank in the 1950’s and had recently donated it to the club.
 
The racing was run following the Derwent handicap rules, the first race a scratch race, with personal handicaps allocated for the second pursuit race and again adjusted for the third race. All races to count to give the final position hence, a 75 year old ribbed boat can have a chance of beating a more modern vintage design.  However, it does mean that the fastest boat does not necessarily win the meeting.
 
A beautiful sunny day greeted competitors with a light breeze that gradually strengthened to a force 4/5, with substantial fluctuations in direction and strength by the end of racing. The first two races were held on a small figure of eight course. The start for the third and final race was signalled just prior to the Club’s Autumn Class race, with the 12’s consequently sailing amongst a large and varied Club fleet across a wider area of the lake – which made for some interesting and sometimes challenging sailing situations!
 
In Race 1: Paul Turner/Tricia Peacock (Trent Valley SC) took an early lead, followed by Brian Kitching/Sue Beynon (FOSSC).
 
Race 2: With the strengthening wind the race order was almost reversed, with Tim Gatti (Yeadon SC)/ Alex Lamb (FOSSC) first and John and Edward Kilgour second.
 
Race 3 was to be the deciding race, and after a first lap which saw the leading 12’s on a dead run towards the start line with the Club fleet still waiting for their starting signal, it was Tim Gatti (Yeadon SC)/ Alex Lamb who eventually managed to retain their first place following a close final beat with Brian Kitching/Sue Beynon, who finished second.
 
The Firefly of Bruce and Lynn Richardson (FOSSC) finished third in all races.
 
Overall results

Special thanks go to Race Officers Andy Smith and Lynn Gregson for running a difficult day to a good standard and on time, to Brian Kitching for organising the event and providing an excellent lunch and the Frampton SC for hosting another very enjoyable event.
 
We look forward to returning next year and trust that the sun will again be shining.

 
Photo attached : FOSSC N12 Vintage Winners Tim Gatti and Alex Lamb with the new ‘Roamer’ Trophy.