Gul National 12 Series at Hunstanton Sailing Club

National 12s at Hunstanton © Frances Copsey

The National 12s turned up at sunny Hunstanton for the fifth leg of the generously sponsored Gul series.

A strong breeze discouraged some from leaving the shore for the first race but the wind moderated and the race was mostly sailed in a steady force three.

The race was led from start to finish by Steve and Joanne Sallis followed by Nick Copsey and Stephen Carver with Ian and Alex Gore in third sailing a borrowed Foolish.

Race two started in very light winds and was initially led by Paul and Freya Pelling with Steve and Joanne and Peter Miatt and Tanya Copsey in close pursuit. The wind suddenly blew up and in no time boats which were struggling to make the tide were coping with very strong winds which suited the Dead Cat Bounce designs of Steve and Joanne and Nick and Stephen. Without a foil the Pellings had no chance of keeping Nick and Stephen behind and they flew past on the windy reach. They were now moving very fast but too far behind Steve and Joanne who recorded their second win of the day.

All ten boats took to the water on Sunday and were rewarded with great sailing conditions and a super reach. Both races finishing as Saturday with Steve and Joanne claiming two wins from Nick and Stephen. The Gores were much closer to the top two as they started to get used to their borrowed boat. Peter and Tanya with two fourths were to claim the first non-foiling boat whilst Gerry Ledger and Elizabeth Ross won the Admirals cup prize and Paul Turner and Christine Preston won the vintage prize.

We now look forward to leg 6 of the Gul series which takes place at Grafham on 7th September.

Gul Series Results: (after round five)