GILL N12 Series 2003 – Event Five

Northampton Sailing Club – 5^th & 6^th July

Pitsford Reservoir was the venue for the fifth event in the Gill N12 Series and attracted 46 boats travelling from across the country, including 6 vintage boats. The fleet arrived on Saturday to a becalmed water and lots of beer in the bar. After a short postponement, race one got underway but was abandoned very quickly as the shifty and patchy wind dropped completely. Saturday highlights instead focused around an inspiring talk on “making your Old boat go fast” by Gavin Willis and excellent entertainment (Ricky Martin was spotted on the dance floor), food and beer.

Sunday dawned with similar conditions with the wind coming and going as the sun came out. However, a race was managed in the morning with Tom Stewart and Graham Camm proving they still have what it takes by 1^st and 2^nd, both unphased by the wind swinging over 180 degrees and coming and going like a jack in the box.

Race two and three were held after lunch and provided equally taxing sailing. The wind was a little more steady and Mike Hoyle & Henry Johnson washed off the cobwebs and comfortably took first, Ian & Alex Gore held second. The rest of the fleet were not so fortunate with large rafts of boats meeting at marks on almost every corner. A win in the final race allowed Mike Hoyle to win the event, however, he had a tough fight to get past Patrick Elcombe who lead for most of the race. The other contender Graham Camm fell foul to the black flag, but Tom Stewart with a very consistent set of results bagged second overall.

Excitement in the Admirals cup fleet was fuelled by some serious bouts of speed from Tim Laws and Phillip David. Tim Laws the more consistent of the two never dropped out of the top ten, but, Phillip David had a much better afternoon giving him two 6^ths to count.

Overall:

1^st N3438 Lola, Mike Hoyle & Henry Johnson

2^nd N3476 Slyther Musto, Tom Stewart & Liz Ross

3^rd N3442 Physalia, Patrick Elcombe & Laura Brown

4^th N3469 Thanks for all the fish, Graham Camm & Tim Goodhew

5^th N3468 Pillow Fight, John & Mandy Thornton

Admirals Cup:

1^st N3217 Wendy Windblows, Phillip David & Yvonne McInnes

2^nd N3295 Battle Tactics, Tim Laws & Emma Wilkins

3^rd N3209 Rebel, John Cheetham & Alison Cheetham

4^th N3373 Sixth Element, Kevin Iles & Jane Jones

5^th N3385 Wild Front Ear, Mark Hoffman & James Hoffman 

The highest placed junior was Nathan Harding & Jinni King. John Sears & Lydia Wood were highest placed in the Family Cup.

The leaders of the Gill N12 Series after 5 events are Ian & Alex Gore hanging on in there closely contended by John & Katy Meadowcroft. Many new challengers were seen at event 5 in the form of Patrick Elcombe and Mike Hoyle. Action in the Admirals fleet is becoming event fiercer: Tim Laws and Emma Wilkins have taken the lead in the series on tie break from Kevin Iles & Jane Jones whilst Phillip Davids recent form puts him in contention. There is now a break in the series over the holiday period and for the National Championships. We expect some serious competition in the final two events as the series looks like it won’t be decided upon the final event. The penultimate Gill event which is combined with the National Twelve Inland Championship will be held at Datchet on 6^th & 7^th September.

Geoff Camm & Amelia Hall

National Twelve Owners Association.