The National 12 fleet enjoyed an excellent day’s racing on 16 September when it revisited Hornsea Mere after an absence of several years. The racing and hospitality at Hornsea proved as good as ever and the shifting winds created some interesting problems for the race officers and the competitors.

Race one saw Philip David and Vince Philips locked in battle at the front with some very close and exciting racing for the lower places. A fresh and blustery breeze caused a number of exciting incidents and a swim for some of the competitors. Philip finished first with Vince second. However, having sailed the wrong course he had to retire leaving Howard Chadwick and Helen Nicholson in second place and Brian Miatt/Brian Johnson in third place.

After a course change race two got under way in slightly less wind and again Philip and Helen David broke clear with Vincent Phillips crewed by Bernard Clark in hot pursuit this time going the right way. Peter Miatt was going well in his Feeling Foolish and resisted the temptation to swill out his boat again finishing third. Brian Miatt was testing out his new hip for the first time and this did not slow him down as he finished fourth again.

Race three started with yet another new course as the race officers followed the ever-shifting wind but Philip and Helen were as consistent as ever taking an early lead with Brian Miatt close behind this time followed by son Peter. Further back places were changing more frequently and after some close racing Terry and Barbara Spence in a Design 8 pulled clear of Howard Chadwick and Helen Nicholson also in a Design 8.

Overall Results

1st 3217, Philip David and Helen David

2nd 3313, Brian Miatt and Brian Johnson

3rd 3448, Peter Miatt and Mark Hill

4th 3356, Howard Chadwick and Helen Nicholson

5th 3395, Vincent Phillips and Bernard Clark