Ripon open meeting

 
A fleet of fourteen National Twelves enjoyed unseasonably hot weather for the open meeting held at Ripon Sailing Club on 1 October.  With a light breeze filling in just before the start the RO, Chris Mark, was able to set a course with a good long first beat which gave the fleet chance to make the most of the conditions.  Tom and Isobel Stewart were challenged hard by Philip David and Kate McInnes throughout the first race but the Stewarts managed to get clear to take the race.  Bernard and Ellie Clark were 3rd, with another home boat, that of Ed and Tom Storey, in 4th.

 
The breeze picked up, as forecast, throughout the day and the afternoon race saw Tom, now crewed by son Robert, take line honours again but David/McInnes were hard on their heels (and in front of them at times) which made for great spectating.  Clark and Clark battled for 3rd place with Mark and Emma Simpson, with the Simpsons gaining advantage and finishing ahead. 

 
 
The final race saw the Clarks lead until the last 15 minutes of the race when the wind filled in behind to allow the chasing pack of the Stewarts, David/Mcinnes and the Simpsons catch up with them and overhaul them in the final minutes of the race.
 
An evening BBQ party saw the majority of the fleet making the most of the sunshine, even if it was dark by 7.30pm!

Overall results
 
1st  Tom and Isobel/Robert Stewart, Northampton SC
2nd  Philip David/Kate McInnes, Yorkshire Ouse and Yeadon SC
3rd   Mark and Emma Simpson, Scaling Dam SC
4th   Bernard and Ellie Clark, Ripon SC (1st Admirals Cup Boat)
5th   Vincent and Alexander Phillips, Yorkshire Ouse SC (1st Vintage Boat)
6th   Ed and Tom Storey, Ripon SC