Rooster South East Topper Traveller at Tamesis Club

Leo Wilkinson wins the Rooster South East Topper Traveller at Tamesis © Helen Evans

Felix Sproehnle, first non-squad sailor in the Rooster South East Topper Traveller at Tamesis © Helen Evans

Having experienced sunshine and strong winds the last couple of years, the Toppers this year were greeted by grey skies and an almost flat calm with the odd bit of interest being shown by the light south easterly.

The courses were short - a loop in front of the club. Most of the seventeen strong fleet completed the one round of the first race and only four completed the half lap of the second race. After the break for a very necessary hot lunch of spag bol, the competitors headed out on the river for the third race.

It was obvious as soon as they got on the water that a conventional race was unrealistic. So we opted for a fun race in which any means of propulsion could be used apart from swimming, paddling or pushing along the bank.

Visitors came from HOAC, Island Barn SC, CMYC, Felpham SC, Hampton Pier SC, Silver Wing SC, Chipstead SC, NSBC, Datchet Water SC, Maidenhead SC, which is fantastic.

Winner Leo Wilkinson graciously thanked the Race team - Carolyne Vines, Sue Harris, Richard Harris, Ian Ramage and Ken Duffell, together with the catering team - Lauren, Josefine and Grace.

My thanks to Graham Evans from the SE Topper Area for organising the event from the Topper side, and to Rooster for the great prizes for the first three boats, and the non squad and first Tamesis prize.

Prize Winners:

1st Leo Wilkinson - Maidenhead SC
2nd Aaron Evans - Silver Wing SC
3rd Bill Hudson - NSBC
4th Oliver Watham - Felpham SC
5th James Smageasdale - HOAC
First Non Squad - Felix Sproehnle
First Tamesis boat - Matt Ramage
1st in the fun race – James Crossley

Overall Results: