TridentUK North East Topper Traveller at Scaling Dam Sailing Club

TridentUK North East Topper Traveller at Scaling Dam © Ian Escritt

TridentUK North East Topper Traveller at Scaling Dam © Ian Escritt

After a long summer break the TridentUK Topper Travellers got back into full swing at Scaling Dam on the North Yorks Moors.

The forecast of light winds didn't put off 29 eager sailors who were greeted by a variable 6 to 12 mph breeze and beautiful blue skies.

Richard Clayton our PRO for the day welcomed everyone and pointed out there was a large difference in experience throughout the fleet due to a large contingent of newcomers trying an open meeting for the first time.

Race one started without incidence as Richard's words seemed to have the right effect. At the first windward buoy Callum Escritt (Yorkshire Dales) showed first followed by Oliver Blackburn (Pennine/Leigh&Lowton) and Georgie McKenzie (Yorkshire Dales)These three pulled away from the rest and after several changes in the lead Callum eventually crossed the line first then Oliver, Georgie and Kieran Graham (South Shields). The hungry sailors retired for lunch to top up their sun cream and a well deserved drink.

After the first beat of race two it looked like Callum would be having an easy day as he led by a reasonable distance, but as the wind dropped and started to swing around Oliver stormed into the lead to win from Georgie and Callum third. Behind these three Kieran held off James McKenzie and James Tulley (Yorkshire Dales).

Race three started in the strongest wind of the day. There were battles throughout the fleet not least than between Elliot Metcalfe and Alex McCormack, who were fighting it out for local bragging rights as first Scaling Dam sailor. Elliot just piped Alex on count back to take sixth and seventh overall. At the front Callum built a sizable lead to win the race and event. Georgie took second in the race but Oliver had done enough to take second overall.

At the prize giving thanks were given to all who helped run the event, sponsors TridentUK, and all who took part.

The next North East traveller is at South Shields on the 22nd of September, the event is also a Squad indicator so we expect a large turn out.

Overall Results: