A small, but select, group of National Twelves gared at Tynemouth
over weekend of 29/30 August for fifty ninth Tynemouth Bailer
open meeting; also fifth Gill Series event in National 12
calendar. After looking closely at force 5-6 Westerly, OOD Chris
Turner preferred a course at sea to one inside harbour where
gusts were even wilder. Only five boats made it to start as
ors all turned back after testing conditions. Neil & Katie
McInnes made best start and led at windward mark, but after
capsizing on first reach y were soon overhauled by Steve & Joanne
Sallis. Sallis’ also capsized at leeward mark allowing Philip
David & Anthony Copsey to lead briefly before Sallis’ were up
sailing again. Eventually all boats except Christian Day & Sophie
Richards capsized at least once during race, with Sallis’
winning from Philip David & Copsey with Day & Richards third.
second race was held back-to-back and re were fewer capsizes
despite wind strengning gusts above force 6 as fleet
obviously grew accustomed to conditions. finishing order was a
repeat of first race. Once ashore re were many comments of
appreciation of safety boat service, Red Seal.
Sunday dawned much calmer and with wind now force 3-4 full fleet
were out on start line. Gerald & Nicholas Copsey made a clean start
with most of fleet being over and having to return. y were chased
initially by Dave Peacock & Tricia Wood, but eventually y were both
overhauled by Sallis’. final order was Sallis first, Peacock
second and Copsey third. next race, also back-to-back, was a near
repeat with same finishing order again.
Overall results
1st N3436, Steve & Joanne Sallis
2nd N3217, Philip David & Anthony Copsey
3rd N3377, Christian Day & Sophie Richards
