There were 14 National Twelves on the line at Saltash SC for the latest meeting in the 2000 South West area series on September 12-13.

In light winds the first race was won by Robin and Ben Wood. The Woods led off the line, but were overhauled by John and Katy Meadowcroft before the first mark, but took the lead on the first reach which they held to the finish ahead of the Meadowcrofts and Phil Bush and Jon Parlby.

Race two was held immediately afterwards, with close racing had by all. Patchy wind made for eventful and often highly vocal mark rounding. With a few boats over the line, including the Meadowcrofts and Sam Sutton and Malcolm Murton, the Woods established a comfortable lead which they maintained until the line.

The third race on Saturday was initially led by Chris Hampe in the oldest boat in the fleet. He was, however, soon overhauled by the newer boats. The final result was the Meadowcrofts first followed by Sutton and Murton.

Brilliant sunshine set the mood for the fourth race on Sunday morning, and once the sea breeze filled in the competitors were provided with much more favourable conditions. The Woods won the race from Bush and Parlby who borrowing the Meadowcrofts boat gave the Woods a real run for their money. This secured an overall victory for the Woods with a race to spare.

The final race saw many boats close to the line and a second gun fired for somebody. The Woods were first to show, chased by John Murrell. Bush and Parlby completed 720s and returned to the start line. By the first mark the Woods held a good lead from the chasing Meadowcrofts. Over the next two circuits the Meadowcrofts closed to the Woods transom, only for the Woods to show good upwind speed and reassert their lead. However, there was no gun for the Woods at the finish and the Meadowcrofts recorded their second race win of the weekend.

Overall Results

1st N3455, Robin and Ben Wood, British Steel SC, Feeling Foolish design 2nd N3429, John and Katy Meadowcroft, Henley SC, Feeling Foolish design

3rd N3460, Sam Sutton and Malcolm Murton. Royal Harwich YC, Feeling Foolish design

4th N3304, Phil Bush and Jon Parlby, Bristol Corinthian YC, Rough Diamond design

5th N3262, Becky and Gill Moore, Saltash SC, Crusader design

6th N3397, Dave Moore and Sam Martin, Saltash SC, Final Chapter design