National 12 Open Meeting at Twickenham Yacht Club

Sunday 7th October

The weather forecast of gales and rain obviously kept people away as only six boats turned up to race for the Twickenham Challenge Cup on Sunday 7th October.

The first race got underway in gusty and shifty conditions making it very difficult for the competitors. Dave & Rose Croft in their immaculate Pipedream "Close to the Edge" made the most of a gust and opened out a sizeable lead. In pursuit, John & Katy Meadowcroft in their Feeling Foolish "Fools Gold" and John & Mandy Thornton in the new Bim Daser Numinous design "Pillow Fight" battled for second place. Local sailor Pip Deverson was obviously putting her local knowledge to good use sailing well in fourth. "Pillow Fight" got the better of "Fools Gold" but couldn't catch "Close to the Edge" who won comfortably. With a couple of retirals, Pip Deverson finished third behind the Thorntons in second.

After a very good lunch in the delightful clubhouse, and a few games of tables football a depleted fleet of four boats went out for the second race in deteriorating conditions. The Thorntons showed considerable skill in the very difficult conditions with gusts coming in from all angles to pull out a good lead. However a swim by the leaders allowed the others to catch up and at the finish the Crofts had pulled into the lead on a gust to win from the Thorntons and Pip Deverson again in third.

With the wind rising dangerously, racing was abandoned for the rest of the day. However conditions were just as dangerous ashore; whilst packing up a tree was brought crashing down narrowly missing the Crofts who dived for cover. Luckily nobody was hurt, but two members' cars were squashed.

Overall Results:

More Information:

• YachtsandYachting.com National 12 Page