GUL Series Update

The Inland Champs at King George SC

Despite the total lack of wind on the Saturday, most of the fleet stuck around to contest the inland championships at King George Sailing Club. We weren't sure if we believed race officer Vince in the morning, but the wind did come in and we (just about) got 3 triangle-sausage races in before the breeze faded away. Graham Camm and Zoe Ballantyne came out on top. You can check out the full report here. 

Proving the 12s really are National, 21 boats from all over the UK turned out at Ripon a week later for the penultimate round of the GUL Series. Ripon SC gave us their usual warm welcome, and those who hadn't visited last year got to see the shiny refurbished club house for the first time. There was excellent racing throughout the fleet with hot competition for the non-foiling, Admiral's Cup and Vintage prizes. Local helm Bernard Clark crewed by daughter Ellie won the AC prize and recent converts to the Vintage fleet Dave Peacock and Ann Britton took that prize. The full write up can be found here. Enough 12s to fill the Tarn made a weekend of it and headed to the Yeadon open meeting on the Sunday - find out who won here.

Adding a win at Ripon to their Inlands victory, Graham and Zoe have come back into contention for the overall GUL Series setting up a final showdown at Northampton. The Admiral's Cup is really tight too with Alan Beeton and Helen Barry just ahead of Neal and Freya Lillywhite. The GUL Series results so far can be found here.
 

Northampton Preview

It might feel like time for the winter coats and woolly hats, but there's one event remaining on our GUL Series.  We're off to Northampton for a much anticipated weekend of close competition in the final event of the year. 

This year we're sharing with the Larks, but as ever Northampton offers excellent courses and well run races - it is reservoir sailing at its best! For those who are still clinging on to summer, camping is available, but there is also a range of B&Bs and hotels nearby for those looking forward to a bit more luxury. You can find details here.

Don't forget that the GUL Series prize giving will be taking place on the Saturday night with plenty of GUL goodies still available.The Larks always turn up in black tie so come as smart as you like and look forward to some delicious food and great entertainment in the evening! 

Twickenham YC Open

A message from the National 12 sailors at Twickenham Yacht Club... 

As long as anyone can remember we have been one of the clubs hosting the Thames Challenge series and have presented a very splendid, large silver cup with all that goes with it.  The trophy goes  back to the mid 1930’s when Uffa Fox first designed the N12 and Jack Holt  started building them.  N12 sailors competed at Twickenham all through the war right up to the present day.  Last year the trophy stayed at home, and we were able to fully appreciate how many prestigious sailors had won it over the years.

This year the date for our N12 Open has changed to Sunday 26th October, 1st Race starts at 10.30, note that we are tidal and it’s the day the clocks go back. We would really enjoy hosting some of the modern 12’s doing the circuit as well as any older boats who could be persuaded to join us.  The TYC N12 fleet presently includes a 1973 China Doll, a 1975 Paper Dart, a 1981 Tigress and two Design 8s built 1994 and 1995.

Two of our N12s were pulverised under a wall in Winter 2013 and only one was replaced but we proudly carry on and ask any N12 sailors who feel like river sailing on October 26th to join us for our 79th year of hosting the Thames Valley Series. 

We look forward to seeing you, Pip Deverson N12 Class Captain, Twickenham Yacht Club

Coaching @ Northampton

12s at Northampton SC

Don't miss out on the coaching day with national champion Tom Stewart at Northampton SC on the 8th Nov. Please be rigged and ready at 11.00 am and bring packed lunches. The fee is £15 per boat which goes to NSC - teas and coffees will be included.  The coaching is free. Please email chairman@ntoa.org or tom@pinbax.com if you have any questions.

If you are thinking of coming or looking for a helm or crew, please post on the forum.

 

N12 Events Survey

Thank you to everyone who completed the events survey. The survey highlighted some things we can change like including different types of events and a geographical spread in the calendar and some we can't - like the amount for free time everyone has. 

While we're working on some of your suggestions here are some of the reasons you love the GUL Series:

"Catching up with friends and talking sailing"

"Competing against other 12s and larger fleets"

"Dynamic with the kids shouldn't be underestimated."

"I like the inclusiveness (is that a word?)"

The NTOA committee are now putting together next year's fixtures...watch this space!

Dates for your diary

 

• Coaching @ Northampton SC - 8th November
• Northampton SC 15th-16th November - GUL Series Finale and Winter Championships (joint with the Larks)

In your area:

• Castle Semple SC 11th-12th October
• Salcombe YC 18th-19th October
• Tynemouth 19th October
• Olton Mere SC 25th October
• Twickenham SC 26th October
   

All the details can be found on the N12 website.

Welcome to New Members

Finally, we'd like to give a warm welcome to all the recent new members of the NTOA. We hope you enjoy your 12 sailing as much as we do.
 

I hope you enjoyed The Latest Chapter and I hope to see you at Salcombe or Northampton.

Chris Day
N3526