Blood Red Clothing Proudly Sponsored the Return of the N12 Open at Whitefriars Sailing Club
At Blood Red, we’re passionate about sailing and committed to supporting grassroot events that keep the spirit of the sport alive. That’s why we were thrilled to sponsor the recent National 12 (N12) Open Meeting at Whitefriars Sailing Club on the 6th and 7th of September—marking the first such event at the venue since the 1980s.
A Weekend of Skills, Spirit, and Sportsmanship
The weekend brought together 18 entries for what became one of the largest N12 Open Meetings outside of the Inlands and Burton Week. It was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of community, learning, and performance on the water—values that resonate deeply with us at Blood Red.
Saturday was dedicated to training, with approximately 15 N12s braving challenging weather conditions that included 18mph winds and gusts reaching up to 30mph. Two expert coaching teams—Graham and Felix Camm, Ed Willett and David Harris; and Kevin Iles, Zoe Ballantyne, and Blue Camm—delivered personalised instruction both on the water and in the classroom, with video reviews providing invaluable insights.
Though the wind claimed its share of gear—resulting in a broken mast and boom—the atmosphere remained upbeat. It was fantastic to see sailors pushing their limits and refining their heavy weather techniques, not to mention capsize and righting skills. The day wrapped up with a well-earned BBQ laid on by the Whitefriars SC team, a true testament to the camaraderie of the sailing community.
Racing and Resilience on Sunday
Sunday brought an unexpected twist in the forecast. Rather than more high winds, sailors arrived to find near-flat calm. Sixteen boats took to the water, and the morning races were marked by tactical light-air sailing. Graham and Blue Camm, racing in a borrowed Baggy Trousers (N3234), showed their class early on, with strong competition from Kevin Iles & Chloe Brisley, Tre & Lyla Jacobs, and local teams Dom & Evie Horner and David Harris & Chloe Parkin.
By the afternoon, the wind had returned in full force—just in time for Race 4 to deliver the kind of high-speed, high-effort sailing that reminds us why we love this sport. Kevin and Chloe dominated in the heavy breeze, showcasing incredible skill and synergy.
Honouring Performance and Passion
We were especially proud to sponsor the prize-giving, where outstanding performances were recognised with a range of trophies:
The Friars Tankard (Overall Open Meeting Win): Kevin Iles & Chloe Brisley (on countback)
Whitefriars Trophy (Best Club Boat): David Harris & Chloe Parkin
Vintage Handicap Prizes: Awarded across six teams based on boat age—another reminder of the N12’s inclusive, timeless appeal
It was also a pleasure to witness N12 class legend Paul Turner return to Whitefriars to present the Shotgun Trophy to Ed Willett & Sarah Robinson for their stellar performance at the Nationals in a vintage boat (N1833).
Supporting Sailors
Blood Red exists to equip and inspire sailors of all levels—and we were particularly excited to see newer sailors and borrowed boats in action. Hats off to Richard Gimmler (N3394) and Alex Pegg (N3410), who stepped into N12s for the first time and impressed all with their performances.
The diversity of designs, spanning nearly six decades, perfectly illustrates that with skill and determination, any well-sailed boat can be competitive—something we believe strongly in supporting.
A Sincere Thank You
We extend our gratitude to the Whitefriars Sailing Club, the Race Officers Ivor Keates and Adrian Stanislaus, and the many volunteers who made this event a resounding success. Your dedication reflects the best of what sailing has to offer.
At Blood Red Clothing, we’re proud to have played a part in this memorable weekend. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or just discovering the joy of dinghy sailing, we’re here to support your journey—on the water and beyond.
Until next time—see you on the water.