National 12 Open at Twickenham Yacht Club

2 visiting National 12s joined 4 home boats for the Twickenham Open Meeting. The accurately forecast light winds may have kept the numbers down, but the sunny weather and typically warm Twickenham welcome kept everyone smiling.

The first race started from the Club line heading towards Richmond. Mike Day and Anne Murch (N3496) made the best start and led round the first mark pursued by John Thornton and Athene Philpott (N3522) and locals Chris and Georgina Deverson (N3159). The wind tended to die between the 2 marks leading to several lead changes, but despite that the three boats were very close as they headed back to the club for the last time. Chris and George showed good local knowledge and ghosted along the Twickenham bank into the lead. John and Athene found a puff to give chase, but Chris and George held on to take the gun by half a boat length.

Following a good lunch all the boats found enough enthusiasm to tackle the Thames again. John and Athene got a fortuitous start and were able to establish a small lead. Mike and Anne managed to hold off Chris and George to take 2nd place. The race was finished on an alternative finish line allowing the next race to be held further up the river towards Richmond, the new course holding the promise of a steadier breeze.

Going into the 3rd race any of 3 boats could win the event. A large river cruiser joined the fleet for the start, but it did not distract Mike and Anne who led away from the line down the Twickenham bank. At the top mark John and Athene found more breeze allowing them to take the lead which they extended through the next lap. On the last leg the wind again faded, before filling in from behind. As the fleet drew together a few luffing battles ensued, but Pip Deverson and Amy McElroy kept clear and continued to scurry up the bank. The wind reached John and Athene just before Pip and Amy did allowing John and Athene to take the gun and hence the event.

Overall Results: