National 12 Open at Notts County Sailing Club

The first National 12 dinghy Open Meeting was held at Notts County Sailing Club over the weekend. The event drew competitors from all over the country with sailors travelling from Essex, Reading, Henley and Shoreham.

Notts County sailor Mike Cook crewed by Helen Hunt was second overall and winning two races, however he was beaten by strong competition from Ian & Alex Gore who sailed consistently in the varied conditions to win overall.

Saturday's racing started in very light winds, but at least there was sunshine, and a race officer's nightmare as the wind swung through nearly 100'. Graham Cam crewed by Zoe Ballentine won two of the three races, and led the third having been over at the start. Ian & Alex Gore scored two seconds and a third. Both Mike Cook & John Sears from the home club won a race each. John was sailing a twenty five year old boat, so his win was a great achievement.

Sunday was sunny and windy particularly in the final race, Ian Gore won the first race, whilst Mike Cook won the final race. Nick Gill of Notts County joined the racing on Sunday, Gill are sponsoring the National 12 series.

Results: 1st Ian & Alex Gore (Up River SC, Essex) 2nd Mike Cook & Helen Hunt (Notts County SC) 3rd Graham Cam & Zoe Ballentine (Burghfield SC, Reading)