Twickenham open meeting

27th September

2 visiting National 12s joined 4 home boats for Twickenham Open Meeting. accurately forecast light winds may have kept numbers down, but sunny wear and typically warm Twickenham welcome kept everyone smiling.

first race started from Club line heading towards Richmond. Mike Day and Anne Murch (N3496) made best start and led round first mark pursued by John Thornton and Ane Philpott (N3522) and locals Chris and Georgina Deverson (N3159).  wind tended to die between 2 marks leading to several lead changes, but despite that three boats were very close as y headed back to club for last time. Chris and George showed good local knowledge and ghosted along Twickenham bank into lead. John and Ane found a puff to give chase, but Chris and George held on to take gun by half a boat length.

Following a good lunch all boats found enough enthusiasm to tackle Thames again. John and Ane got a fortuitous start and were able to establish a small lead. Mike and Anne managed to hold off Chris and George to take 2nd place. race was finished on an alternative finish line allowing next race to be held furr up river towards Richmond, new course holding promise of a steadier breeze.

Going into 3rd race any of 3 boats could win event. A large river cruiser joined fleet for start, but it did not distract Mike and Anne who led away from line down Twickenham bank. At top mark John and Ane found more breeze allowing m to take lead which y extended through next lap. On last leg wind again faded, before filling in from behind. As fleet drew toger a few luffing battles ensued, but Pip Deverson and Amy McElroy kept clear and continued to scurry up bank. wind reached John and Ane just before Pip and Amy did allowing John and Ane to take gun and hence event.

 

Overall results

 

1st	John Thornton and Ane Philpott	N3522	Henley SC
2nd	Chris and Georgina Deverson	N3159	Twickenham YC
3rd	Mike Day and Anne Murch	N3496	St Carines SC
4th	Pip Deverson and Amy McElroy	N2700	Twickenham YC
5th	Alistair Edwards and Gretta Wood	N3143	Twickenham YC
6th	Jim Francis and Ann Pickard	N2789	Twickenham YC