National 12 Open at Burghfield Sailing Club
by Zoë Ballantyne 27 Mar 2007 08:50 BST
25 March 2007
George Smith & Jackie Whitmey during the Burghfield National 12 open © Marc Sollars
Following a successful coaching session the day before, eighteen National 12s sailed for the second event in the Thames Area series. A large header at the start of the first race caused chaos, but Graham Camm & Zoë Ballantyne, followed by John & Mandy Thornton, managed to tack off and gain space. Despite several close battles, Graham & Zoë stayed ahead to the finish.
In the second race, the start was very port biased and Antony & Jo Gifford took the pin end at speed. The Thorntons however were first to the windward mark and pulled away from the fleet, until an unfortunate capsize on a gybe. The following pack swapped places on the remaining legs, with the Giffords finally taking first from Jon Ibbotson & Charlotte Stewart.
The wind increased for the third start, giving the fleet a good early-season workout. Graham & Zoë were first round the windward mark, with Dave Peacock and Tricia Wood not far behind. Fran Gifford & Sophie Mackley eventually overtook Dave & Tricia on the final windward mark to take second place. Junior helm George Smith, crewed by Jackie Whitmey, showed great promise despite their lightweight combination – one to watch for this year.
Overall Results:
1st Graham Camm & Zoë Ballantyne, Burghfield SC
2nd Frances Gifford & Sophie Mackley, Aldeburgh YC
3rd Jon Ibbotson & Charlotte Stewart, Royal Harwich YC
1st Junior: George Smith & Jackie Whitmey
1st Admirals Cup: Mike & Alex Storey