National 12 Open at Ripon Sailing Club

Ian and Alex Gore during the Ripon National 12 Open © Gail Jackson

The thirteen strong fleet were treated to quintessential Ripon winds that resulted in close, competitive racing throughout the day. Ripon fielded three boats this year following the addition to their fleet of another Crusader 88 of Streaker sailor Chris Wright, currently land yachting at the Worlds in Germany, but he had press ganged Firefly sailor Charlie and Laser sailor Richard into representing him.

Race one had local sailors Tim & Christopher in their Crusader 88 lead the fleet to the first mark but were then swiftly overtaken on the downwind leg by Ian & Alex in their Dead Cat Bounce. Graham & Felix in a Design 8 found their rhythm and steadily worked their way to the front and a clear win. Patrick and Gail slipped past Tim & Christopher, putting their Big Issue 2, 3rd over the line. Entertainment was provided by Philip and Emma who death rolled their Feeling Foolish when hit by a sudden gust with the board fully retracted, they recovered to finish 6th.

Close racing at the windward mark during the Ripon National 12 Open - photo © Gail Jackson

After lunch, race two saw the return of a past National 12 sailor Terry Spence, kindly crewing for Angus who was short of a crew for his Sparklet. Ian & Alex rounded the first mark with Tim & Christopher snapping at their winged rudder but steadily opened up a convincing lead to take 1st place. Graham & Felix worked their way up to 2nd with Tim and Christopher only a few boat lengths behind. Philip and Emma came in 4th having overtaken George & Lucy also in a Feeling Foolish.

The last race was started in fresher winds that predictably dropped as the fleet hit the narrows. Tim and Christopher dropped themselves out of contention by arriving too early at the start and dropping down the line. Graham & Felix were in the thick of it from the off but despite working hard, Ian & Alex pulled ahead for a second win. Philip & Emma built on their improving performance to come in 3rd with John & Alison also getting their best result of the day with a 4th in their Crusader.

Graham and Felix Camm during the Ripon National 12 Open - photo © Gail Jackson

With the results collated, Ian & Alex had done enough to take the trophy back home. As always, the National 12 fleet had a good junior presence throughout the results - Felix in 2nd, Emma in 3rd, Christopher in 4th and Frankie in 12th at his first National 12 Open.

Overall Results: