National 12s at the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show
by Jeremy Carey 5 Mar 2012 07:08 GMT
3-4 March 2012
The National 12 stand at the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show © Jeremy Carey
A great success and lots of interest all round
After a hectic weekend of setting up, manning the stand, talking ourselves hoarse, and finally the breakdown at the end, it's great to get home and reflect on what a great show the 12's had this year. With a class with such a long history, every show is a lesson for relative newcomers to the class such as myself, past members, long time owners, those just fascinated to see what we are up to as a development class, its little surprise that typing is currently far easier than talking!
Congratulations to 12 Owner Patrick Hamilton, who won the New Jib Draw sponsored by Pinnell & Bax, as part of our entry competition for this year's National Championships. The draw was made by Tom Stewart of P&B on the stand, late on Sunday afternoon to great applause from a select crowd of 12 sailors.
The great thing about the show? The enthusiam for the class from all walks of life, from young families and youth, to those who started sailing 12's in the 60's, some of whom are still going!
With boats available on the 12 website, from classics to the latest foiling performance beast, the beauty of twelves, is not only the divine sailing experience, but also their ability to attract all levels of sailor and competitor.
So for me, this year, the high point was definitely the interest shown from sailors from around the world (yes we had a New Zealand couple really interested!) in giving the boat a go, and it looks like a few generous 12 owners might be loaning out a few more boats for the Burton Week (National Championships) in June.
Too late for you to give one a go? No not really! We are collecting names and matching them to boats so if you want to find out more about joining our championships or just would like to try out a twelve at some point, pop along to our championship website where there is lots more information about it.
national12.org/burtonweek/2012
In the meantime, a big sigh, a long bath (no not a capsize!) and a dream about the forthcoming season, which I'm looking forward to with anticipation, maybe see you on the water?
Finally, special thanks to all those 12 owners who put so much effort into the show, both this and in previous years, without your help and enthusiasm, we wouldn't be there.
Enjoy the video!
Jeremy Carey
National 12 Committee