Virtual Rigger Topper 4.2 Nationals at Northampton Sailing Club
by Adam McElroy 30 Jun 2014 12:44 BST
28-29 June 2014
Fifty-one boats entered the VR Topper 4.2 Nationals at Northampton Sailing Club on 28/29 June, competing for specific honours on the Topper 4.2 rig.
The generally fine conditions combined with good starting discipline from the sailors allowed the PRO to run a complete set of 10 races in this National Championships, in perhaps the best sailing conditions for any ITCA(GBR) national event so far in 2014. Competition was tight throughout the fleet as groups of sailors fought for their positions with the closest rivals over two full days of racing.
Only a couple of squalls came through the course during racing and the forecasted storms kindly went around the reservoir, leaving the sailors free to concentrate on their mark rounding. The Class Judge was particularly impressed with the high standards of sportsmanship and boat control shown from these younger sailors and almost had to retire his yellow flag on day 1. However, after a successful trial of the "Tally Master 3000", helms should expect to see our 4.2 Rep & Beachmaster using his new kit at future events, to encourage good tally discipline on the beach.
Northampton provided an excellent venue for this regatta, with an ideal range of wind speeds to fully test the skills of these typically smaller & lighter sailors, many of whom were competing in their first national event. Particular thanks to Elaine and her team in the excellent galley, who kept the volunteers and parents overflowing with tea, coffee and fresh flapjack all weekend – after their famous, nutritionally balanced, athletes breakfast each morning.
The final event in the VR National 4.2 Series is at Derwent Reservoir on 12/13 July, followed in August by the Virtual Rigger 4.2 Summer Championships and the Zhik 4.2 World Championships at Clwb Hwylio Pwllheli Sailing Club – entries are still open for all these events on the ITCA(GBR) website.
Many thanks to the RYA OnBoard scheme and Topper International for supporting the continued success of the Topper 4.2 sail with their generous donations of 4.2 sails to those sailors attending their first 4.2 national competition with ITCA(GBR).
Congratulations to everyone on a great weekend's sailing.
Prizes were presented by Simon Butterworth, Virtual Rigger
Overall Results:
1st & VR Topper 4.2 National Champion – Michael O'Driscoll
2nd & 1st 4.2 National Squad Sailor – Piers Luxford
3rd – Ewan Gribbin
4th – Luke Gribbin
5th – Ollie Dixon
6th – Charlie Tordoff-Gibson
7th - & 1st female – Eleanor Cranfield
8th – Ashley Deaton
9th – Rachael McCluskey
10th – Daniel Thompson
VR Mid Fleet Award – Monique Vennis-Ozanne
VR Outstanding Performance Award – James Deaton
VR Endeavour Award – Timmy Cranfield