Topper National Series Events at Rutland Sailing Club
by Will Sanderson 15 Sep 2014 12:20 BST
13-14 September 2014
Over 150 sailors converged on Rutland Water from across the UK for last weekend's Craftinsure 5.3 Topper and Virtual Rigger 4.2 Topper National Series events. Although light (perhaps more accurately non-existent) winds meant that no sailing was possible on the Saturday, an early start for the race management & safety fleet teams and of course the sailors meant that both Topper fleets were afloat and racing first thing on Sunday morning.
5.3 sailors
On the 5.3 Topper course a wind of 8-10 knots early on enabled some excellent and highly competitive sailing. Victoria Cowan (Porchester SC) and Kieran Moore (Chew Valley SC) won the first two starts of the day, with Dylan Walendy-Wrigley (Harwich Town SC) and Joseph Drake (Waveney & Oulton Broad SC) taking the honours in starts 3 and 4 respectively. However although start 5 saw the fleet get away the wind died and racing was abandoned for the day.
Craftinsure Toper National Series – Rutland overall results
Joint 1st: Joseph Drake (Waveney & Oulton Broad SC)
2nd: Dylan Walendy-Wrigley (Harwich Town SC)
3rd: Tom Renny (Fishguard Bay YC / Teifi Sailing)
6th and 1st girl: Alice Smith (Hayling Island Sailing Club)
11th and 1st youth: Piers Luxford (Royal Harwich YC & NBYC)
4.2 sailors
Meanwhile, on the 4.2 Topper course some 27 boats helmed by sailors from 9 to 13 years of age sailed four competitive races with battles for position going on up and down the fleet. The excellent sailing on display was enjoyed by many parents, siblings and supporters who had a great view of the 4. 2 course from the Rutland Sailing Club balcony. Race victories went to Coco Barrett (x2); James Deaton and Ishbel Zuurmond.
Virtual Rigger 4.2 National Series – Rutland overall results
1st: Coco Barrett (Desborough SC / Queen Mary SC)
2nd: Ishbel Zuurmond (Mengeham / Rythe Sailing Club)
3rd: Curtis McKay (HOAC / Queensmead)
The Topper class would like to thank the members of Rutland Sailing Club for their hard work and hospitality over the weekend; the event, race and safety management teams and all those volunteers who helped make the event such a success; and, last but not least, our event sponsors Craftinsure and Virtual Rigger for their generous support.