Thirty-one N12s arrived at Grafham to be greeted by a Force 4 and 300 optimists last Saturday. Fantastic reaching and shifty beats with intermittent sunshine provided the perfect racecourse for the final Gill series event of the year.

The first race was led from start to finish by Jon Brown and Rachel Williamson, hotly chased by Tom Stewart and George Hand. Geoff Camm and Amelia Hall in their final open meeting before emigration slotted in a third.

After lunch Frances Gifford and Sophie Mackley led for the first lap only to be overtaken by brother and sister-in-law Antony and Jo Gifford who were never to be seen again. Brown and Williamson took third.

In the final race, Frances Gifford and Sophie Mackley again led round the windward mark. This time they fought off all challenges to win from Graham Camm and Zoe Ballantyne and then Chris Bishop and Pip Jefferies.

The Admiral’s Cup competition for older boats was won by Philip David and Debbie from Graham Iles and Ellie Martin.

This brought to an end the Gill series for 2005 which has been enjoyed by over 70 boats over eight fantastic venues.

Overall Results

1st 3431, Frances Gifford and Sophie Mackley, Aldeburgh YC

2nd 3483, Jon Brown and Rachel Williamson. Royal Harwich YC

3rd 3484, Antony and Jo Gifford, Aldeburgh YC