Topper Coaching and Open Weekend at Medway Yacht Club

Toppers at Medway © Mike Spurgin

Toppers at Medway © Mike Spurgin

Toppers at Medway © Mike Spurgin

The weekend of 3rd and 4th September was a busy one for Topper sailors at Medway Yacht Club.

On Saturday 3rd September, twelve Topper sailors of mixed ability including five of the home fleet enjoyed a day of coaching from International Topper Class Association coaches, Andy and Ed. The session began with some shore based discussion on sailing in tidal waters and exercises in small groups. The sailors then launched to put their strategies into practice on a small course upriver of the Club. The wind over tide conditions of 15-20 knots were too taxing for some of the sailors, and the fleet returned to the Club. After lunch, the fleet was divided into two groups, one of which worked on boat handling and boat trim in the water between the moorings and the Club, and one of which practised upwind and downwind technique in more challenging conditions near Upnor Castle. The day’s coaching ended with a debrief, and unanimous agreement that everybody had taken something from the day.

The following day, over twenty five boats competed in the VR SE Topper Travellers event with visitors from twelve clubs joining the local fleet. A WSW wind of 14-22 knots and a flooding tide meant a choppy race area. The race team set a windward leeward course between the Club and Upnor Castle for two races in the morning. The boat handling of the better sailors was outstanding especially in the gusts downwind which caused capsizes for a few. The first race was won by Scott Wilkinson from Rye Harbour SC with Morgan Archer from Blue Circle SC second and Liam Schiess from Chipstead SC in third. The second race was won by Morgan with Coco Barrett of Island Barn Reservoir SC in second and Liam again completing the podium. At lunch Morgan led the overall standings with Scott, Liam and Coco all in equal second place. With only one discard for the event results would be tight.

Toppers at Medway - photo © Mike Spurgin

With sufficient water now in Hoo Bay but similar wind conditions, a triangle/sausage course was set for two more races in the afternoon, with the start line close to the houseboats. Scott took the win in the third race after a race long battle with Morgan while Liam collected his third successive podium finish. With time running out, the race team managed to get the fourth race away first time. The strong wind continued to take its toll on the less experienced sailors and only seventeen boats finished this last race of the day, which was won by Magnus Handley from QMSC. Scott was runner up in this final race with Morgan in third which made all the difference in the overall standings.

The overall results were dominated by the visitors. The event was won by Scott, with Morgan runner up only a point behind. His win in the last race meant Magnus pipped Liam for third on count back. Henry Townsend was the best placed home based sailor, in ninth place overall, although he was only a couple of points out of sixth. William Hudson, from Newhaven and Seaford SC was the best placed 4.2 sailor in tenth place.

The day finished with a prize giving on the terrace where Colin Weston, the Club Commodore, congratulated the winners and thanked everybody who was involved in putting on the event. He also thanked Pirates Cave Chandlery, who sponsored the event and provided gift vouchers for the winners.

Overall Results: