Topper North West Travellers at Budworth Sailing Club

by Tony Willcock 22 May 2008 13:10 BST 17 May 2008

On Saturday 17th May Budworth hosted the fifth event in 2008 North West Topper travellers series, sponsored by local chandlery 1st Mark, which attracted 25 entries with strong support arriving from Redesmere and 11 other clubs in the area.

The competitors were greeted by a gentle force 2 breeze blowing down the Mere from the east. The OOD set some excellent courses which tested the strength and race strategy of the competitors beating the full length of the Mere and their boat handling skills on long downwind legs. The competition was fierce with visiting national, youth and zone squad sailors all keen to do well and challenge Redesmere’s newly crowned Topper Inland Champion, Elliot Hanson

Race 1 was dominated by Elliot who took an early lead and extended it throughout the race to take line honours. Behind James Asquith and Andrew Dawson sailed steadily through the fleet to take 2nd and 3rd places respectively.

Joe Cheetham from Budworth took and early lead in Race 2 chased by Andrew Dawson and Chris Wheeler. However Elliot pulled through on the second lap and Joe slipped down to 4th.

Race 3 started in lighter conditions. Elliot pulled through after being recalled but later retired for an early shower having already won the event. This left the door open for Chris Wheeler to lead out closely followed by 12yr old Andrew Green who sailed a brilliant race to take second. Joe Cheetham stole third from Andrew Bridgeman who was seen doing an America’s Cup style 720 penalty close to the finish line!

Overall Results: “The Gardiner Shield”

1st 46023 Elliot Hanson (Redesmere SC)
2nd 45973 Chris Wheeler (Leigh & Lowton SC)
3rd 46124 Andrew Dawson (Winsford Flash SC)
4th 461721 Joe Cheetham (Budworth SC)
5th 46272 James Asquith (Redesmere SC)

1st U14 45829 Andrew Green (Leigh & Lowton SC)
2nd U14 43896 Tom Cornthwaite (Elton SC)
3rd 44788 Rachel Wilcock (Budworth SC)