National 12 Gill Series/Tynemouth Bailer

Posted on 02/10/2009

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National 12 Gill Series/Tynemouth Bailer

National Twelves from across the country gathered at Tynemouth over the weekend of 29/30 August for the fifty ninth Tynemouth Bailer open meeting; also the fifth Gill Series event in the National 12 calendar. After looking closely at the force 5-6 Westerly, OOD Chris Turner preffered a course at sea to one inside the harbour where the gusts were even wilder. Only five boats made it to the start as the others all turned back after testing the conditions. Neil & Katie McInnes made the best start and led at the windward mark, but after capsizing on the first reach they were soon overhauled by Steve & Joanne Sallis. The Sallis’ also capsized at the leeward mark allowing Philip David & Anthony Copsey to lead briefly before the Sallis’ were up sailing again. Eventually all boats except Christian Day & Sophie Richards capsized at least once during the race, with the Sallis’ winning from Philip David & Copsey with Day & Richards third.

The second race was held back-to-back and there were fewer capsizes despite the wind strengthening gusts above force 6 as the fleet obviously grew accustomed to the conditions. The finishing order was a repeat of the first race. Once ashore there were many comments of appreciation of the safety boat service, Red Seal.

Sunday dawned much calmer and with the wind now force 3-4 the full fleet were out on the start line. Gerald & Nicholas Copsey made a clean start with most of the fleet being over and having to return. They were chased initially by Dave Peacock & Tricia Wood, but eventually they were both overhauled by the Sallis’. The final order was Sallis first, Peacock second and Copsey third. The next race, also back-to-back, was a near repeat with the same finishing order again.

Overall results:

First N3436, Steve & Joanne Sallis
Second N3217, Philip David & Anthony Copsey
Third N3377, Christian Day & Sophie Richards