Sailingfast Scottish Topper Traveller Series 2015

Olly Carr wins the 2015 Novice Shield in the Sailingfast Scottish Topper Traveller Series 2015 © D Bell

Sailingfast Scottish Topper Traveller Series 2015 winner Calum Bell © D Bell

The Sailingfast Scottish Topper Traveller Series 2015 was condensed across four events this year and timed to finish during the Summer prior to sailors transitioning into new classes.

With GBR squad sailors, Niamh Harper and David Rosie, looking unlikely to complete a full series due to other commitments the competition for top spots was wide open.

The Series kicked off at Loch Venachar just after Easter with the new combined Academy/Traveller format. The RYA Scotland team blended their training with four races in light, shifty conditions across the two days with Calum Bell, Tom Aitchison and Christine Wood getting the top 3 positions.

Dalgety Bay in May was the second of the combined Academy/Traveller events and the joint team achieved 7 races mixed with some coaching. Conditions were different for both days with a light winds on Saturday, heavier on Sunday and some challenging tides. Calum Bell again topped the leader board followed by Andrew Homer and Tom Aitchison.

At the end of May, the fleet descended on Loch Lomond Sailing Club for a cracking sail on Saturday and a building breeze on Sunday that saw racing abandoned shortly after starting. Andrew Homer finished in top spot at the end of the weekend followed by Tom Aitchison and Calum Bell.

After three events, the three top sailors in the fleet were sitting very close on points at the top of the table and Helensburgh promised to be an exciting climax to the Salingfast Series. With this event also hosting the Scottish Championships there was plenty of tension and anticipation. Helensburgh put on a great regatta with a challenging set of conditions. David Rosie came out on top to claim the coveted Scottish Champion title closely followed by Calum Bell in second and Andrew Homer in third.

After some quick calculations, the Series Trophy for 2015 was awarded to Calum Bell with a 2 point lead over second placed Andrew Homer. Third place went to Tom Aitchison and fourth to Christine Wood who also claimed the first Female prize.

Special Awards were given to Andrew Homer who received the Donnie Meldrum Trophy for most improved across this season; Christine Wood received the Shirley Richmond Trophy for top Scottish Female Topper Sailor; Olly Carr received the Novice Shield for best newcomer to the fleet.

In the Regatta fleet, Fergus Wilson claimed the victory by one point from Fraser Adams and Suzie Sturrock was third. Fergus was also awarded the prize for top 4.2 sailor this season.

Well done to everybody that competed during the Series and we really want to see you again at Annandale or one of the other events later this year. And don't forget to enter the Scottish Club Trophy at Loch Lomond Sailing Club in August.

Thanks to all the Sailing Clubs that hosted an event, all the volunteers, all the parents, all the sailors and finally... A huge thanks to Sailingfast for sponsoring the Series and generously donating some fantastic prizes.

Overall Results:

Next year's Series kicks off at Annandale in August so we are really looking forward to seeing you all there. Bring some friends!

Dates for your Diary:

• Annandale Sailing Club - 15/16 August 2015
• Scottish Club Trophy - 22/23 August 2015
• Nairn Sailing Club - 29/30 August 2015
• Loch Tummel Sailing Club - 26/27 September 2015