Midland SC open meeting

National 12's at Midland S.C. 16 October 2011    

Midland S.C. hosted the penultimate open meeting of the 2011 MAAT series, on Sunday 16th October. 4 Visiting boats joined 3 home boats for some close racing. Race 1 got underway in relatively light wind. A 'less than ideal' start for local boat 3316, due to a windward/leeward infringement. After a shifty first beat, the fleet sorted itself out, with Geoff and Amelia Camm leading the way around the top mark, from Paul Turner and Millie Dixey in 2487, their vintage China Doll, followed closely by 2010 Series Champion, Tom White and Pru Dixey in 2765, his four plank China Doll. The top 3 places switched several times over the next few legs, the win eventually going to Tom and Pru, followed by Graham and Amelia taking second place in 3414, their Design 8 and Paul and Millie in third.

After lunch and a wind shift, race 2 got underway with another less than ideal' start by Ian Smith and Jenny Chen in 3316, due to being too early and hitting the pin, however managed to stay in touch with the leaders to the top mark, rounding in 3rd place. The top 4 boats broke away, only for Tom and Pru to suffer a rudder failure, forcing an early retirement. The shifty and patchy breeze enabled Geoff/Amelia and Ian/Jenny to break away further but Geoff was never to be troubled and took the victory, followed in 2nd by Ian and Jenny. Paul and Millie taking another 3rd place.

After affecting repairs for race 3, Tom and Pru only really needed to finish in front of Geoff and Amelia, to take overall victory and the MSC Firefly Challenge Trophy however, Geoff had other ideas and fairly quickly, the two challengers opened up a gap, leaving 3316 and 2487, to battle for the minor places. Geoff pushed all the way to finish, but Tom managed to maintain his cool to take his second victory and the overall win. 

Overall results

1st  - 2765 - Tom White and Pru Dixey - Olton Mere SC

2nd - 3414 - Geoff Camm and Amelia Camm - Pevensey Bay SC

3rd  - 3316 - Ian Smith and Jenny Chen - Midland SC

4th and 1st Vintage - 2487 - Paul Turner and Millie Dixey - Trent Valley SC

5th - 3267 - Arthur Bedford and Sue Burton - Midland SC

6th - 3412 - Chris Troth and Crew - Olton Mere SC

7th - 3074 - Tyrone Wood and Jaydon Wood - Midland SC