Virtual Rigger Topper 4.2 National Series 4 at Paignton Sailing Club
by Adam McElroy 8 Jun 2014 22:24 BST
31 May - 1 June 2014
The Toppers have came back to Paignton for their national series event since the Topper GBR Nationals in 2008, now with a dedicated Topper 4.2 fleet competition for the smaller, lighter sailors.
Sunshine on the seafront welcomed the sailors to the English Riviera on Saturday morning and, after a welcome from the Mayor, 190 Toppers including 19 on the 4.2 rig were swiftly rigged and ready to race in the light airs of Torbay.
After a prudent two hour postponement, which allowed parents and siblings time to enjoy ice creams on the esplanade, 190 Toppers lined up across the beach ready for a mass launch - and fully justified the Toppers reputation as the most photogenic junior class, with many tourists stopping to talk to the shore crew and taking photographs of the fleet as it made its way out to the race area.
Racing closer inshore than the main fleet, Kate Jones PRO was able to keep the 4.2 fleet racing all afternoon and a full set of races were completed on Saturday before the 5.3's came back ashore.
The situations were reversed on Sunday with the 4.2 racetrack experiencing much lighter conditions but once again Kate kept the fleet kept racing to complete their series of 6 races for the regatta.
The light and variable conditions tested the tactical sailing skills of every sailor and the results saw the Girls take 1st and 2nd for the first time this season.
Prizes were presented by Simon Butterworth, Virtual Rigger.
Many thanks to Paignton Sailing Club and for the logistical support of Torbay Council, Royal Torbay Yacht Club and Brixham Yacht Club in organising this event.
Special thanks to Ness & Nick Ripley and Guy Gribbin at PSC for their exceptional contributions to this weekend.
The next 4.2 event is the Virtual Rigger 4.2 National Championships at Northampton Sailing Club, please see the ITCA(GBR) website for details and entry.
Overall Results:
1. Coco Barrett
2. Rachel McCluskey
3. Angus Fellows
4. Matty Cohen (Most Improved Sailor)
5. Ishbel Zuurmond
6. Benjamin McElroy
7. Curtis McKay
8. Milly Jinks
9. Banjamin Jukes-Bennett
10. Daisy Desorgher
19. Timothy Cranfield (Endeavour Award)