Wroxham open meeting

 

National 12's at Norfolk Broads Y. C. Classic and Vintage Dinghy Regatta.
 
A fleet of five vintage 12's enjoyed Norfolk Broads Yacht Clubs Vintage Dinghy Regatta on 8-9th August and with a total of 17 entries event is growing rapidly in popularity. It is also part of both National 12 and Merlin vintage series and hence hotly contested.
 
Saturday racing started after lunch as breeze filled in N2266 Triarda sailed by Howard Chadwick and grandson James Flar led Twelves at first mark but N2149 Xanthus sailed by Bernard and Ellie Clark (aged seven and three quarters) soon took lead with N2468 sailed by Brian Herring and Ros Stevenson in 3rd place. N2344 Brainstorm sailed by Brian and Liz Wady his daughter was 6th overall and 4th N12 whilst class chairman Tim Gatti with son Seb finished 12th overall in N341 Mat his 1938 ribbed Uffa King design.
 
Race 2 saw Merlins break clear but Twelves were still in contention Bernard being 3rd overall and first 12 again this time followed by Brian Herring.
Race 3 brought a dying wind and Twelves had to work hard to keep a clear wind as Merlin’s and International 14's set ir spinnakers. final places were Bernard 1st Howard 2nd and Brian Herring 4th overall and 3rd 12.
 
Sunday morning dawned with no wind and entire 12 fleet taking opportunity to visit N1 Gipsy! Gipsy is being restored by past Burton Cup winner Mike Evans and is now in excellent condition and nearing fitting out stage. Hopefully she will be ready to join regatta next year.
 
Race 4 finally started despite very light airs and shifts of up to 180 degrees. Even in se conditions Bernard and Ellie performed well although a late charge by Brian Herring almost got him a first place on finish line, Bernard winning by a two second margin!
 
For 5th and final race breeze had filled in and racing was as close as ever with lead changing twice on last two legs. This time Howard and James took first place with Bernard and Ellie only seven seconds behind.

final N12 class results being
 
N2149 1st also 1st overall - Xanthus - Bernard and Ellie Clark
N2266 2nd also 2nd overall - Triarda - Howard Chadwick and James Flar
N2468 3rd also 4th overall - Suzy Wong - Brian Herring and Ros Stevenson
N2344 4th - Brainstorm - Brian and Liz Wady
N341 5th - Mat - Seb and Tim Gatti
 
Third place overall went to Merlin 1079 Flinkidink sailed by Mike Stephens and crew.  Special prizes were also awarded to Enterprise number 1 and to a Sailing Canoe built in 1913 which is in immaculate condition and sailed very well.
 
Special thanks are due race officer John Talbot and Talbot family who all did race and rescue duty as well providing us with our own flag officer David Talbot who looked after us throughout weekend and toger with his wife presented prizes, a great team effort!. Special thanks also to Jamie Campbell for coordination of event once again we will be back!
 
Report              Howard Chadwick N2266
Photos Sarah Chadwick:-
 
Ref 057             N2149 and N2266 racing hard in race 1