A fair number of N12 sailors, past, present and possibly
future assembled at Newburn Slipway for the annual Tynemouth
SC Tate Winter Trophy but only four N12s made it to the top
of the slipway and just three launched. After a short wait
for wind and tide the N12's started in a workable sailing
breeze over a short course spread each side of Newburn
Sklipway. The Enterprises followed 5 minutes later and both
fleets enjoyed close racing for 2 laps. 'A true test of
light weather sailing skills' was the comment from an ex N12
River sailor as he followed the fleet tacking up the river
on the flood tide. Tim Hampshire and his young crew
Christopher Hampshire from Ripon SC overtook Phil David
with crew Emma Hampshire to win the N12 race whilst Ian and
Margaret Purkis weren’t far behind in N1483 "My Little
Margie"
Sadly the breeze began to fade by the start of
the second race. The course was shortened but as the tide
slackened progress was slow. The arrival of rain killed the
wind even more and both fleets finished at the end of their
first lap. Once again Tim Hampshire overtook Phil David to
win the Tate Winter Trophy whilst Ian & Margaret resorted to
paddling home. There was little appetite for a 3rd race so
the fleet came ashore, packed up and retired to the 'Keelman'
for refreshment! One highlight; small child and one possible
future N12 sailor found stroking the gleaming varnish on "My
Little Margie" as the boats were being de-rigged! One of the
genuine delights of meeting the public at Newburn.
Results now posted on TSC website or by clicking the
link below:
http://tynemouthsc.co.uk/index.php/sailing/2016-race-results/