The breezy forecast didn't put off 8 Twelves hitting the Thames for
the Royal Thames open meeting hosted at Ranelagh Sailing Club.
With a strong tide behind them, the fleet were cautious not to be over
at the start. Graham Camm & Zoe Ballantyne in the Very Hungry
Caterpillar were neck and neck with Jon Ibbotson & Char Stewart in Blue
Kangaroo until a nasty shift changed the balance giving the advantage to
Blue Kangaroo. Mike & Alex Storey in Electric Prune took the outside
line and the stronger tide in the middle of the river helped them take
the lead momentarily but Blue Kangaroo fought back to round the windward
mark first. The Very Hungry Caterpillar jostled with Blue Kangaroo on
the reach and run with place changes going both ways. The Very Hungry
Caterpillar snuck ahead at the leeward mark and extended their lead over
the next few laps to win the race and the first meeting in the 2012
Thames Area series. Back in the rest of the fleet the gusty conditions
caused many capsizes with 5 boats finishing.
Photo: The leeward mark
Whilst the race was on the Twelve fleet kids were enjoying their
Thames Area series kids lunch. And after the race the sailors enjoyed
their Thames Area series 2011 lunch and prize giving to make a very
sociable afternoon.
Overall results
1st Graham Camm & Zoe Ballantyne Very Hungry Caterpillar
2nd Jon Ibbotson & Char Stewart Blue
Kangaroo
3rd Mike & Alex Storey
Electric Prune
