The windless weekend of 16-17 November saw the arrival of 12 National 12s at Datchet Water Sailing Club for the final meeting of the Thames Area series.

The first day was dogged with no wind and after one attempted start, the race was abandoned for the day.

Sunday also dawned with very little wind but what there was did prove to be enough to think about racing, so six of the 12 boats that had made the journey took to the seas and competed in two brilliant races.

The first race was lead by Tom Stewart and Liz Ross who had stormed off the start line in a mighty gust only to have the closest race of the day with Caroline Martin and Sophie Mackley, with Caroline and Sophie nipping in front to take the gun. In the excitement, Ian and Alex Gore also got past Tom and Liz to take second.

Race two started in less wind than most would have liked but a three lap windward/leeward course was completed.

Caroline Martin and Sophie Mackley surged ahead, as did Ian and Alex Gore in second. This was how it remained with Frances Gifford and Jenny Wilkins taking third from Bim Daser and Mandy Thornton who excelled against all the other Admirals Cup, non double-bottom, taking this most coveted prize.

Results

1st 3455, Caroline Martin and Sophie Mackley, Burghfield Sailing Club

2nd 3441, Ian and Alex Gore, Up River Yacht Club

3rd 3431, Frances Gifford and Jenny Wilkins, Aldeburgh Yacht Club

4th 3476, Tom Stewart and Liz Ross, Royal Harwich Yacht Club

Admirals Cup winner 3410, Bim Daser and Mandy Thornton

Overall Results (Thames Area Series)

1st 3469 Graham Camm and Zoe Ballantyne, Burghfield Sailing Club

2nd 3468 John and Mandy Thornton, Henley Sailing Club

3rd 3431 Frances Gifford and Jenny Wilkins, Aldeburgh Yacht Club

4th 3464 Geoffrey Camm and Amelia Hall

5th 3410 Bim Daser and Various crews, Ranelagh Sailing Club