Twenty National 12s lined up on the start line for the 52nd Royal Harwich Yacht Club Boxing Day meeting.

It was Jon Ibbotson and Sophie Mackley (N3445), who made the best start and led round the first mark,

The next three boats were hot on their transom, but the need for the second boat to protect allowed Ibbotson and Mackley to break away. Unfortunately for them it was not to be, the leeward most mark of the course was set in a calm spot and the fleet swallowed them. Tom Stewart and Jo Gifford (3476) came out of the calm patch first and escaped into a good lead.

Antony Gifford and Jess Brown looked to have a clear second, but Chris Mayhew crewed by Mark Stowe (3443) took the right-hand option up the next beat and closed the gap. However, it was Ibbotson and Mackley who eventually overhauled them to finish in second place.

Chris Brown (3291) crewed by J. Hunt sailed a fine race and hung in with the modern boats to take the Admirals Cup prize from Gerry Garner who was crewed by his son.

Overall Results

1st Tom Stewart & Jo Gifford N3476

2nd Jon Ibbotson & Sophie Mackley N3445

3rd Antony Gifford & Jess Brown N3447