21 Twelves took to the water for the 5th Gill
series event of 2012. Conditions were lively on the Saturday. Racing was
close in the top three between Jon Ibbotson sailing with Charlotte
Stewart, Graham Camm & Zoe Ballantyne and Antony and Jo Gifford sailing
a borrowed Dead Cat Bounce for the first time. Antony and Jo soon
mastered the foiling rudder to claim a string of thirds, whilst Jon and
Char occupied second place and Graham & Zoe clinched a row of first
places.
The fleet enjoyed an evening on the Royal Harwich lawn, a round of tug
of war, bar boats and a viewing of the football.
The rain on Sunday soon cleared to provide perfect conditions for the
crabing competition (for the kids). 8 teams took part, the winners
caught 11 crabs in 15 minutes - well done James Gifford & Sam Brown.
Contrary to the forecast the wind built during the morning with several
large squalls blowing down the river. The fleet waited for a large
squall to pass before launching then were treated to some fine sailing
if a times a little scary. To provide the spectators with some
entertainment the race officer, Graham Ireland, set 3 laps of an M
course meaning 3 gybes per lap! Jon & Char took an early lead, having
stayed upright at the first gybe they braved attempted a second - and
weren't so lucky! Graham & Zoe and John & Mandy took the cautious option
of wearing around almost every gybe and some how managed to stay
upright. Graham & Zoe just pipped John & Mandy at the line.
The fleet was somewhat depleted for the final race. John & Mandy
Thornton flew up wind to take an early lead chased by Graham & Zoe. The
pair jostled for two laps with both taking the lead at points at the
wind went around in circles. Graham & Zoe took line honours.
Overall results
1st Graham Camm & Zoe Ballantyne
2nd Mike Hoyle & Adam Fuller/Lucy Snowsill
3rd Jon Ibbotson & Charlotte Stewart
