Stuart and Ross lead on opening day

A report from the National 12 Nationals

Race 1 Marlow Rope Salver

The fleet of 59 National 12s were greeted by dense fog for the first race of the national championships being sailed out of Castle Cove SC, Weymouth.

After a postponement for light wind and fog, the fleet got away in a force three. Out of the gate the early starters looked good with some nice lifts on port but as the beat continued a permanent shift set in with a 30 degree starboard lift which benefitted the late starters. Tom Stewart & Liz Ross were the main beneficiaries, rounding the windward mark first, with Bruce & Clare Johnson in second. The first Admiral's Cup twelve (boat without a double bottom) arrived at the windward mark third in the hands of Tim Laws and the pathfinder, Caroline Martin & Andrew Douglas came in in the top five.

Places in the top 10 didn't change too much over the subsequent laps. Stewart & Ross held the lead, Will & Arthur Henderson took second with the Johnsons in third. Tim Laws was first Admirals cup 12 finishing 10th.

The forecast for Monday is more wind which could see some different faces at the front.