The National 12 Yachting World Team Trophy 7th and 8th October.

The National 12 Yachting World Team Trophy

7th and 8th October.

The National Twelve's annual team racing event took place at Burghfield Sailing Club in some testing conditions. 7 teams from across the country battled it out over the weekend for the title of N12 team racing champions and for the all important beer.

The day started slowly as the wind tried its best to fill. A few races of the league were completed before an early lunch was called and the hospitality of Burghfield SC enjoyed. Following lunch the Race Officer took optimistically to the water and repositioned the course. No sooner had the competitors said "I'm not going out in this ******* wind", a gentle breeze started to blow. Sandwiches and pleasantries were put on one side and the racing continued.

Close and exciting race took place as the remainder of the round robin league was completed. The Burghfield team finished the day with a convincing lead with 6 wins and no loses with the "A" team, Aldeburgh and Bristol Corinthian close behind all tying in second place with 4 wins and 2 loses.

The evening entertainment provided much amusement for all ages with a Quiz to test even the biggest sailing anoraks and those with an apt for the more physical challenges. The new class chairman, John Meadowcroft, showed he still has what it takes to win a race (even donut eating ones).

Sunday looked like a formality for the Burghfield team and a tough battle for second. However, Burghfield's luck was running out as they lost two races to the strong teams of Ranalagh and The "A" Team. Meanwhile the Aldeburgh team (N3393 Anthony and N3431 Francis Gifford and N3426 Jon Brown) mustered an impressive challenge, winning all of their races taking them up to the final race of the day, where they met Burghfield with an equal number of wins. The final race became all important and would decide the trophy.

The final race started tight with Burghfield coming off the line in good positions. Graham Camm & ZoÁ Ballantyne lead to the first mark with Jon Brown close on his transom. Camm and Martin followed them round with Francis and Anthony close behind. Geoff luffed high as Fran attacked using the speed advantage of her Feeling Foolish allowing her team-mate to sneak through. Action at the next mark saw another conversion as Jon held up the Burghfield allowing Anthony through and gave Aldeburgh a threatening 2,3,6. Burghfield had to keep their heads as a difficult conversion was looming for Aldeburgh. The next legs saw little action as the final beat approached with Graham & ZoÁ holding onto first. Geoff and Fran battled for fifth place, as Anthony tried hard to hold up Caroline and make a late conversion. Unfortunately the attempt failed with Geoff pulling through and finishing in third place, just 3 inches ahead of Anthony.

Winners: Burghfield SC, N3378 Graham Camm and Zoe Ballantyne, N3375 Caroline Martin and Elanor Martin, N2919 Geoff Camm and Amelia Hall.

Runners-up: The "A" Team, N3436 Steve Sallis and Alison Martin, N3419 Mike Cooke and Martin Hurst, N3409 Nick Martin and Jonathon White.

Beer winners: Ranalagh SC, N3433 Tom Hayhoe and Kate Edwards / Abigail Hayhoe, N3362 Chris Edwards and Antony Edwards, N3410 Bim Daser and Sarah Edwards.