Topper Open at Nantwich & Border Counties Sailing Club

A beautiful summers day but very light variable winds at the Doddington Mere Topper open © Brian Rouse

Topper sailing dinghies from all other the North West gathered at Doddington Mere, home of Nantwich and Border Counties Sailing Club, for the annual open meeting. Twenty eight sailors took part in the event, from adults to under eleven juniors.

Despite being a beautiful summers day, sailing conditions were not ideal due to very light variable winds. This delayed the start of the first race until 12.00 am. The strong field, with representatives from national, youth and regional training squads, meant that each race would be closely contested.

Rob Partridge of Budworth sailing was first across the finishing line, which set the pattern for the day, with Tim Lowe of Redesmere coming in second and Sam Watson of the Nantwich coming in third.

The winds dropped totally during the lunch break but thankfully picked up slightly for the two afternoon races. Rob Partridge again won the second race with Charlotte Rig of Nantwich coming in second. The third race saw Rob confirming his dominance of the event, again gaining first, with Anna Brookes of Elton sailing club coming in second and Katy Stewardson, who had traveled all the way from Ulswater coming in third.

Final honours for the day went to Rob Partridge of Budworth with Anna Brookes of Elton coming overall second and Tim Lowe of Redesmere third. Sam Watson of Nantwich was first under 14 and Budworth took the prize for the best club performance.

Overall Results: