The weather man warned us all to stay at home but still a fleet of 14 hardened Twelves braved the conditions for the anual Blaydon race sailed on the Tyne near Newcastle. The fleet were surprisingly keen and started rigging in the icy conditions but hopes were dashed when the Race Officers announced sailing was cancelled due ot lack of rescue facilities (the wind was so strong on the coast the rescue boat couldn't launch) so the fleet decided to continue proceedings in the club house (local pub). The new season saw a number of new Twelves on the Northern circuit including some Baggy's a Design 8 and Chapter, also Peter Miatt introduced brought the first double bottomed Feeling Foolish to the Northern circuit.

The race will be resceduled for the 18th February.