12-13th July 2008.
Although part of the Bailer Series the Frensham Ponds Vintage Regatta is
in fact organised by the Classic and Vintage Dinghy Sailing Association
and as such attracts a wide range of dinghies from all classes. As well
as being part of the National 12 vintage series it is also part of the
vintage Merlin series and hence is well supported by both these classes
in particular.
The 12 fleet was thin on the ground on the Saturday with only regular
supporter Ken Goddard and Ian and Margaret Purkis to fly the flag which
they did very well in the light conditions and Ian was highest placed of
the two. As Sunday dawned the wind had all but disappeared but
many more boats arrived taking the 12 fleet to six boats. Jonathan
Reubin arrived with his newly acquired Mark 8 and a collapsed chock on
his trailer so was making repairs as soon as he arrived as well as
fitting a dangly pole whilst rigging his boat. Despite this he
made the start and acquitted himself well. Ian Duffill arrived
with the only ribbed 12 in the event and although he only completed one
race his speed on the water was most impressive and warranted comment by
Brian Herring when he was overtaken to leeward at one point! This
was Ian’s last sail in Sinner as he has now sold her to Tim Gatti but
not before putting his entry in for the ribbed boat trophy!
In race one Ian and Margaret were in fine form once again and a 12 fleet
battle ensued with Brian Herring and Ros Steavenson before Howard
Chadwick crewed by Tim Gatti broke clear. On the final leg the
three bunched up again within 100 yards of the finish the final order
being Chadwick, Purkis and then Herring but all within yards of one
another.
Race two was also very close with big holes in the wind and much place
changing although it was Howard and Tim who managed to squeeze ahead
again with second and third as in race one. Ian Duffill finished
4th closely followed by Jonathan and then Ken.
For race 3 the wind remained very light and many boats were late
reaching the line. Howard and Tim were lucky and reached the line just
as the starting signal went leaving them with a clear line whilst the
remaining 12’s were bunched in. Even from this position, Ian and
Margaret and Brian and Ros fought back and closed the gap down to almost
nothing at the last mark making Howard and Tim work hard to retain the
lead.
The event overall was excellent and it was particularly interesting to
sail against the vintage Merlin’s and find that the 12’s compete very
well and have an advantage when it is too light for the Merlin’s to set
spinnakers. The Merlin’s like vintage 12’s were all at different
levels of refurbishment and rig with the rigs ranging from full carbon
to wooden spars and the standard of most boats was very high indeed.
Thanks are due to Frensham Pond sailing club for the excellent
organisation of this event.
I can highly recommend sailing in one of the CVRDA or other open vintage
regatta not least as the standard of some of these boats is superb and
the ideas for improving your own boat endless in addition to which you
meet like minded people and have good friendly competition.
Overall results
1st N2266 Howard Chadwick & Tim Gatti
2nd N1483 Ian Purkis & Margaret Purkis
3rd N2468 Brian Herring & Ros Steavenson
4th N2300
Ken Goddard & ?
5th N1719
Jonathan Reubin & ?
6th N711
Ian Duffill & ?
Apologies to those crews whose names I was unable to obtain due to not
having the entry forms
Howard Chadwick Vintage Wing Representative
N2, N2266, N2679 and N3356
Burton week
Organising an event