Simpsons comes out on top

A report from the National 12's Scottish Championship

Sun, storms, stonking winds and a fabulous social were the order of the day for this year’s Scottish Championship, sailed at Annandale SC on 25-26 April.

Saturday dawned relatively windless, but there was a steady breeze by the start. Race 1 was claimed by Mark and Emma Simpson, but they were pushed hard by Jo MacDonald and Greg Pitt, recent recruits to the class. Jo and Greg extracted their revenge in race 2 by reversing the placings. Bernard Clark and Andrew Mitchell took 3rd place in each race.

In late afternoon the first belt of lightning lit up the sky and heavy weather sailing ensued. Mark and Emma battled round the course but were OCS at the start. Jo and Greg took first, with Bernard and Andrew second. Howard Chadwick and Helen Nicholson were the only other boat to finish.

On Sunday morning Mark and Emma took race 4, with Jo and Greg 2nd and Bernard and Andrew 3rd. Race 5 saw Clark and Mitchell capsize before the start and miss the race, but there was another battle for the line which Mark and Emma claimed. The final race saw the Simpsons again take line honours with Bernard and Andrew 2nd and Jo and Greg 3rd.

Final Results:

1st - Mark and Emma Simpson, N3472
2nd - Jo MacDonald and Greg Pitt, N3473
3rd - Bernard Clark and Andrew Mitchell, N3447
4th - Howard Chadwick and Helen Nicolson, N3356 – also first AC
5th - Chris and Ben Palmer, N3244

Brian Herring and Ros Stevenson were 8th overall and first Vintage boat.