After a week’s postponement dur to strong winds, Tynemouth SC’s Blaydon Races were sailed upstream towards Wylam on 16 March, in a south-easterly wind. In the National 12 fleet, Howard Steavenson, crewed by eldest son Thomas, led from start to finish, demonstrating that Robin’s Gene pool is still alive. There was a tussle for second place between Howard Elcock of Tynemouth and Peter Roe from Derwent Reservoir SC, which ended when Peter got a lucky streak of wind half a mile from the finish.

A battle royal took place among the Enterprises, with all three holding the lead at one or another stage. Eventually Dave Coady came through to win from Alan Baker, with Mike Wilde third. Clive Griffith completed the course in his Laser and Ken and Philip Murray gave a convincing demonstration of skill in their RS 200.

Overall Results

National 12: 1st N 3353, Howard and Thomas Steavenson (Tynemouth SC)

Enterprise: 1st E 22516 D Coady and G Taylor (Tynemouth SC)