Magic Marine Topper Inlands at Grafham Water Sailing Club

With over 300 boats the Magic Marine Topper Inlands at Grafham Water is the largest on record © Steve Bell / www.fotoboat.com

With over 300 boats the Magic Marine Topper Inlands at Grafham Water is the largest on record © Steve Bell / www.fotoboat.com

With over 300 boats registered the 2007 Magic Marine Topper Inland championship was the largest on record. The introduction of a Regatta fleet run by the ever capable Grafham Commodore, Simon Dabson, made all the difference and extended this highly enjoyable weekend to many siblings.

Grafham Water SC is probably the best inland sailing club in the country capable of hosting such large event. With plenty of space to accommodate main and regatta fleet trapezoid courses as well as leaving room for club racing. The forecast for Saturday 5th May was a light breeze that would drop over the day. Following an extensive briefing John Smalley the PRO and his able assistant Keith Harris, took the main fleet afloat for a scheduled single race before a lunch break.

With the fleet split into four flights race 1a was Yellow and Blue with 1b being Red and White. At the first start the wind shifted left favouring those at the pin end. In the light airs the smaller sailors were revelling in the conditions and this race was won by Phil McCoy, followed by Jordan Taylor and Emily Jackson. By the time of the second start the pin end was definitely preferred, Miles Palmer the class chairman was sailing for the first time in a major UK event was closest to the pin at the start only to see many of the excellent topper sailors just sail away. The race was won by Felicity Foulds followed by Freddie Connor and Richard Cumpsty.

The Regatta Fleet managed two races with race 1 won by Dan Venables followed by Rachel Wilcock and William Grassick. Race 2 was won by Joe Zolna followed by Dan Venables and Megan O’Brien.

Following a lunch break and a definite drop in wind speed, the fleet went afloat only to mill around and work on yet more records, such as how many boats you can raft up together. John Smalley tried valiantly to set a course but every time it looked like the wind had settled and the course was set, it would change again. In the end there was no more racing on the Saturday.

Saturday evening saw what is now becoming an annual auction, with numerous items provided by many sailing companies, including a brand new Topper provided by Topper International. The event was a huge success with £2759 being raised to support the excellent class open training scheme.

Sunday morning dawned with the wind in the opposite direction (SW) and building to a steady 15Knts as the fleet launched. Race 2a (Yellow and Red) favoured those that noticed that the course was positioned to the right of the start line, there were many who over stood the port layline. The race was won by Andrew Brown the current World Champion, followed by Michael Wood and Max Richardson. Race 2b (Blue and White) was won by Freddie Connor followed by Matthew Johnson and Phil McCoy. By the start of race 3a (Yellow and White) the breeze had built a couple of knots, favouring those with stamina and a well set up downhaul system. This race was won by Max Richardson, followed by Stephen Beckett and Michael Wood. In Race 3b (Red and Blue) Andrew Brown was dominant and sailed away from the fleet, Robin Elsey was second followed by Ngaire Strawbridge. The fleet then came in for a much needed lunch break.

The Regatta Fleet with most reefed managed two races in the boisterous conditions, with Megan O’Brien winning race 3 followed by James Walker and Dan Fenn. Race 4 saw Giles Kuzyk come to the fore with Rachel Wilcock and Charotte Fenn chasing. The Regatta committee took the sensible decision to conduct no more racing that day.

The final race of the day was sailed in similar conditions and race 4a (Red and White) was won by Matthew Johnson followed by Robin Elsey and Andrew Brown. Race 4b (Blue and Yellow) was won by Michael Wood followed by Jon Sleight and Phil McCoy.

After the fourth race the competitors were allowed to discard their worst score and this meant that on 5pts Andrew Brown became the 2007 Magic Marine Topper Inland Champion closely followed by Michael Wood on 6pts and Phil McCoy on 7pts. The first lady was Ngaire Strawbridge in 16th position and 1st adult was Joe Wellerd in 43rd position.

Miles Palmer ITCA (GBR) Chairman thanked Magic Marine for supporting the event and providing such a fantastic array of prizes, he also thanked the wonderful group of parents and helpers who allow through their hard work such a large event to take place at all. Hillary Talbot, Vice Commodore at Grafham thanked the Class for looking after the club and following instructions. Andrew Brown in his acceptance speech thanked the race officer John Smalley, the club and class for an excellent event.

Overall Results: