Ribbed Boats on the Tarn

Yeadon SC hosted the first ever ‘Ribbed Boat’ event for National 12’s on Sunday 31 May. A total of 4 of these wonderful old boats took part, with 5 teams of helms and crews sailing them in a series of short races, swapping boats to ensure that everyone got the chance to sail each boat.
The boats sailed were N2 “Goldcrest” (Barnt Green One Design), owned by Howard Chadwick, N341 “Mat” (Uffa King), N493 “Laughter” (Holt 500) and N711 “Sinner” (Gnome), all of which are owned by Class Association Chairman Tim Gatti.

'Ribbed' National 12s are the earliest boats within this development class, built of ribbed construction, or, to use boat building parlance, 'clench laid and timbered'. The boats involved have all been kept sailing through the hard work of their owners and large quantities of copper nails, brass fittings, varnish and a lot of loving care!
The weather conditions were perfect – enough wind to make the sailing interesting but not strong enough to be unsailable for these old ladies of sail. Howard Chadwick and Helen Nicholson were worthy winners of the event, second place being tied between Ian and Margaret Purkis and Bernard and Ellie Clark.
A further event is planned for July when it is hoped that N1183 “Tessa” (Proctor Mark 2) will be ready to join in the fun.

Many thanks to Jennie Clark and Roly Mo Team for the article and the photos.