Henley Sailing Club National 12 Open

Sixteen National Twelves attended the latest Thames Area Aggregate Trophy event at Henley Sailing Club on 3 September 2000. The race officer opted to avoid a flight starting system and all sixteen lined up on the short club line.

On a crowded first start, there was an individual recall for Dave Wilkins. Unsure as whether they were over, race favourites John and Mandy Thornton also opted to return, whilst Geoff Camm and Amelia Hall infringed and had to complete turns. The early running in race on was made by Andrew and Hector Hurst in their newly acquired Windfall. However, by the first mark they had been overhauled by locals John and Katy Meadowcroft. On the long run up river, Will and Robert Henderson took the lead, and despite a determined challenge from Dave and Rose Croft they held it until the end, with the Meadowcrofts third.

Off the second start, to the disappointment of Hall, Camm was premature and had to return. At the windward mark, the Crofts led from the Thorntons. The Hendersons rounded third and with a lucky puff managed to build a good lead down the run. The Crofts lost a lot of ground, whilst Camm and Hall charged through the fleet to contest second with the Thorntons. These two had a tight battle and closed on the Hendersons. By the final mark, the Thorntons were on the transom of the Hendersons and managed to break cover up the final beat to win.

Going into the final race either the Crofts, the Thorntons or the Hendersons could win. However, the early running was made by the Meadowcrofts, but they were then overhauled by the Thorntons on the run. It looked like the prizes would be going home with the Thorntons when the Meadowcrofts took a 720 penalty for an infringement. However, keen to get in early for tea, the Meadowcrofts got ahead again and it was soon turn for the Thorntons to take a penalty. The Hendersons improved to second which was enough for them to win the Henley Challenge Trophy, which Will had previously won in 1978.

Overall Results:

 1. N3418 New Isabelle      Will and Robert Henderson  Salcombe YC
 2. N3429 Fools Gold        John and Katy Meadowcroft  Henley SC
 3. N3148 Pillowtalk        John and Mandy Thornton    Henley SC
 4. N2935 Close To The Edge Dave and Rose Croft        Henley SC
 5. N2919 Catalyst          Geoff Camm and Amelia Hall Pevensey Bay SC
 6. N3410 Feeling Foolish   Bim Daser and Kate Edwards Ranelagh SC

Photographs: (click thumbnail for full image)

Photos ©: Tom Hayhoe

More Information:

• YachtsandYachting.com National 12 Page
• National 12 Class Association