Miracle North East Area Championships at Thornton Steward Sailing Club

Sun and fair winds on Saturday brought enjoyable sailing. In the first race changing places throughout the fleet meant no one could predict the outcome. Variable winds called for swift responses to take any advantage. In the end it was Dave Butler and Ross Fleming (3900) who took the win, followed by Neal Gibson and Keith Macey (4040), with Dave Herbstritt and Josie Airns (3770) third.

The second race saw more blustery weather, but after that all important start and first beat the order was much more settled. This time Neal Gibson and Keith Macey crossed the finish line first, Dave Butler and Ross Fleming were second and Dave Herbstritt and Josie Airns showed consistency in coming third again. Another gainer was John Pilgim, a club member who came along to see what was happening on the day and was roped in to crew for Ken Mac Arthur (3486) - and ended up sailing his first races ever! Overall a great day's sailing was had by all.

A convivial dinner was a good way to end the day and to prepare for the weather on Sunday – a forecast of lots of wind.

For Sunday the fleet was joined by Richard and James Hewitt, sailing the latest Miracle to be launched, 4057, a wooden Dave Butler boat. She hit the water to sail with the oldest know Miracle, number 3, sailed by Dave and Jean Reed. She was offered to the Miracle Association last year and Dave and Jean undertook to look after her and found her in pretty good condition and soon had her sailing. The racing began in windy, fluky, weather with gusts with "sharp edges" which were a distinct challenge. Capsizes occurred throughout the fleet which kept the safety boats busy and brought a retirement when Gillan and Kenneth Gibson had a gybe go wrong and went for a swim. The criss crossing course made sailing more tactical as well as giving the opportunity for stunning reaches, but it was hard work.

Race 4 started, but despite double anchors the committee boat, a Wanderer bought with Sport England money, started to drift and the race officer considered he had no choice but to abandon the race. However, it did mean an early run ashore for lunch which was much appreciated. 6 boats hit the water for the last race where the wind went up and down, as did fortunes. 2 boats missed the gate so were DSQed which meant only 4 finishers: 1st Neal Gibson and Keith Macey; 2nd John Willars and Ross Fleming (Rachel decided ashore was the best place after banging her head and Dave Butler was conscious he was sailing a boat he'd just sold and it was rather windy!); 3rd Dave and Jean Reed; and 4th Martin and Carmela Burgess.

It didn't take calculators to work out Neal Gibson and Keith Macey had won with 3 firsts. Overall second was Dave Butler and Ross Fleming, third were Jon Willars with Rachel Day and Ross Fleming, and forth were Dave Herbstritt and Josie Airns.

Overall Results: