Gul National 12 Series at Ripon Sailing Club
by Jennie Clark 4 Oct 2014 21:47 BST
4 October 2014
National 12s at Ripon © Jennie Clark
Ripon Sailing Club hosted the penultimate meeting of the Gul series on Saturday 4 October. With the forecast of very strong winds and driving rain thankfully the fleet weren't put off with visitors coming from Essex and Perthshire to enjoy what turned out to be nearly ideal conditions.
The first race got away on the first start and was won by Tom and Isobel Stewart with Graham Camm and Zoe Ballantyne in 2nd place and Ian and Alex Gore in third. It was clear that the double bottomed foiling designs were going to be the front runners but all through the fleet there was great competition with places changing constantly. Bernard Clark and Christian Day paid the price for being over enthusiastic on the start line and were recalled.
After a delicious lunch served up by the club's new catering team the fleet got away for race 2. Graham and Zoe took line honours, pursued home by Tom and Robert (note the crew swap!) and Ian and Alex.
The fleet were all recalled for the start of race 3, and Graham and Zoe managed to get into clear air and develop an unbeatable lead. They were followed home by Ian and Alex then Jon Ibbotson and Charlotte Stewart.
After the prize giving, with many of the fleet receiving vouchers courtesy of sponsors Gul, the fleet enjoyed a great menu in the clubhouse.
Overall Results:
1st Graham Camm and Zoe Ballantyne (1st double bottomed foiling boat)
2nd Tom and Robert/Isobel Stewart
3rd Ian and Alex Gore
1st Double bottomed, non foiling - Philip David and Emma Hampshire
1st Admirals Cup - Bernard and Ellie Clark
1st Vintage - Dave Peacock and Anne Britton