Ranelagh open meeting

Compared to arctic conditions of previous day 11 Twelves at Ranelagh enjoyed semi-tropical conditions, a fine breeze and a challenging spring tide. John Thornton crewed by Zoë Ballantyne were hot off line and caught a nice gust to take an early lead which y held comfortably for first lap. pack behind jostled on long beat back against tide with almost everyone having a spell at front of pack. Unfortunately spring tide was a little stronger than John had estimated and y hit windward mark. By time y re-rounded it Antony Gifford & Juliet Brown had taken lead.

 

Jon Ibbotson & Charlotte Stewart challenged for lead on second beat but n doldrums of football ground relegated leaders to 3^rd and 4^th as Graham Camm & Clare Hunter found wind furr out to overhaul m with John & Zoë hot on ir tail. Jon & Char also came foul of tide at next windward mark allowing leaders to get clear. Graham & Clare covered John & Zoë’s moves for next lap to win meeting. fleet n returned ashore to enjoy 2008 Thames Area prize giving and dinner.

 

Overall results

 

1^st Graham Camm & Clare Hunter

2^nd John Thornton & Zoë Ballantyne

3^rd Jon Ibbotson & Charlotte Stewart

4^th Fran Gifford & Katy Meadowcroft