The final round of the National 12 Gill series was held at Grafham Water on 28 October. A total of 66 sailors travelled from clubs as far afield as Penzance and Scaling Dam for three blustery races. With two boats able to win the main fleet prize and at least three able to take the Admiral’s Cup prize (pre -double bottom boats) there was lots to play for.

John and Katy Meadowcroft won the committee boat end of the line and dominated the first beat. They were quickly rolled on the first reach by national champions Tom Stewart and Liz Ross who won comfortably.

In Race 2 Stewart and Ross got the first beat right and led the Meadowcrofts round the windward mark; they then escaped the pack and extended their lead to the finish. Frances Gifford and Sophie Mackley came second from Dave Peacock and Tricia Wood.

In race 3 the Meadowcrofts were leading down the first reach only to be rolled by Stewart and Ross, who went on to win again. On the run the leading boats were subject to a mighty gust, which saw some spectacular capsizing. Graham Camm and Zoë Ballantyne sailed calmly through to claim second.

In the Admiral’s Cup Division John and Alison Cheetham were keeping it steady and finished ahead of rivals Jerry and Margaret Garner in all three races.

Overall Results

GWSC Gill series National 12
1st Tom Stewart & Liz Ross N3501 (Feeling Foolish) 2 points
2nd Frances Gifford & Sophie Mackley (Feeling Foolish) 5 points
3rd Graham Camm & Zoë Ballantyne (Numinous) 6 points

GWSC Gill series National 12 Admiral’s Cup
1st John & Alison Cheetham (Crusader) 30 points
2nd Jerry and Margaret Garner (Design 8) 35 points
3rd Mike and Alex Storey (Crusader) 35 points