As the next stage of the Consistency Trophy and the Midlands Area series for National 12s, Blithfield open meeting on 1 September was a great success – a good turnout for a new open water venue on the cicuit.

The wind waslight all day, causing frustrating racing conditions at times. Nevertheless, three races were successfully completed. In races one and two, newly crowned national champions, Graham Camm and Zoe Ballantyne (Burghfield ) established a lead on the first beat and went on to win both races. In each case they were pursued by Bernard Clark (Yorkshire Ouse) and David Moore (Blithfield) who finished second. The lower placings were hotly contested with places changing frequently during the course of the races.

In race three, Bernard Clark and David Moore established a lead during the first beat while several other boats were in contention for second place. The battle remained fairly close for much of the first lap but the difficult conditions were taking their toll and the fleet became quite spread out in the latter part of the race. Bernard and David maintained their lead over Tim Laws (Olton Mere) – sailing Graham Camm’s Boat crewed by Zoe Ballantyne.

Overall, the event was won by Graham and Zoe. Bernard and David took second place overall and also won the old boats prize with their Cheshire Cat. Second of the old boats were Ian Smith and Eleanor O’Connell (Midland SC) in their Final Chapter. The day’s racing (and sunbathing on the lawn) was enjoyed by all who attended and it looks as though Blithfield will become a regular fixture in future. The Consistency Trophy now moves on to Henley on the 15th of September, which is always guaranteed a good turnout.

Overall Results

1st 3469 Graham Camm and Zoe Ballantyne (Burghfield)

2nd 3220 Bernard Clarke and David Moore (Yorkshire Ouse / Blithfield)

3rd 3465 Terry and Angela Cook (Notts County)

4th 3344 Rob and Emma Cannell (Blithfield)

5th 3375 Ian Smith and Eleanor O’Connell (Midland)