Seven vintage National 12s made their way to Henley on the 14 September for an afternoon of racing with competing boats varying between N504 and N2802.

In the first race, John Meadowcroft crewed by Mandy Thornton in N504 led off the line and to the first buoy. However, by the second mark, Brian Herring in N1673 crewed by Ros Stevenson had overtaken on the inside. He was closely followed by Dave Croft, crewed by Abbie Croft in N2304 and Alan Cadwallader in N2802 crewed by Stephen Gent. The next beat saw Meadowcroft regain the lead, and during the long run back to the club a vicious gust took Herring for an early bath. At the bottom mark, Croft regained the lead which he held from Meadowcroft and Cadwallader until the finish.

For the second race, N504 now sailed by John Thornton and Katy Meadowcroft, had a good start and by the first mark had a good lead over the rest of the fleet. However, on the run back down Croft made it into the lead, with Ken Goddard, in N2300 crewed by Karen Cadwallader making it into third place, positions that were held to the finish.

After a short tea and cake break, it was back to the sailing with second place still up for grabs. Herring led off the start, but the early leaders stopped at the first corner allowing N504 (now back with John Meadowcroft and Mandy Thornton) to sneak through into the lead. This was extended through the race with Crofts taking second place.

Overall Results

1st N2304 Lysistrata, Dave and Abbie Croft Henley SC

2nd N504 Wanton, John Meadowcroft and Mandy Thornton Henley SC

3rd N1673 Let’s Go, Brian Herring and Ros Stevenson Winsford Flash SC