Topper 4.2 National Championships at Northampton Sailing Club

Over 40 entries for the Topper 4.2 National Championships © Chris Bowen

Over 40 entries for the Topper 4.2 National Championships © Chris Bowen

How fantastic over 50 entries for this year’s 4.2 Nationals at Northampton Sailing Club. With a few 5.3 sailors deciding to drop down a weight division for the weekend the competition promised to be fierce. Many sailors had lots of experience, but one brave competitor had never raced before.

The Saturday was very windy and the first race got going at 12.30 pm. It was impressive that over 30 boats managed to finish the first race, and anyone who retired was not to be ashamed, because all the competitors tried really hard in survival conditions. My son described the downwind sailing as a “Death Sentence”, because of having to dodge all the capsized boats.

The first race was won by Joseph Mullan of Priory Sailing Club followed by Dan Venables, Sam Whaley, Ella Methven, and Gus Dixon.

Lunch was enjoyed as the sailors were very hungry. Unfortunately the wind increased and was unsafe; the sailors found energy to play football, which at times turned into rugby. Also cricket was played in the rain; perhaps wearing wetsuits is the solution for playing cricket in England.

The Sunday provided much lighter winds. This meant ideal conditions for those less experienced sailors and there was still enough wind for good tactical racing.

The 5.3 sailors proved that even though they are heavier it is tactics and technique that win races in light airs. The 2nd race was won by Arran Holman of Hollowell SC followed by Paris Thomas, Dan Venables, Patrick Croghan and Ollie Dixon.

The 3rd race was won by Crispin Beaumont of Bartley followed by Dan Venables, Arran Holman, Patrick Croghan, and Joseph Mullan.

The 4th race was won by Dan Venables followed by Arran Holman, Paris Thomas, Crispin Beaumont and Sam Whaley.

It was then time for lunch and the competitors had to be quick; the race officer wanted to make up for the lack of races on the Saturday. Two more races were scheduled for after lunch and this year’s 4.2 National Championships could still be won or lost by 6 very keen sailors.

Unfortunately the wind did not behave and one final race was sailed. Dan Venables kept a cool head and won the final race followed by, Paris Thomas, Ollie Dixon, Hugo Hansen, and Arran Holman. Then it was over to the prize giving. A special mention for James Hollis, who helped a younger competitor; their boat had turtled and they could not manage, therefore James jumped out of his boat swam and righted the capsized boat before returning to his own boat.

The Endeavour award went to Anna Zuurmond from Mengeham Sailing Club; who finished all the races.

1st Under 11 was Freya Cumpsty of Chew Valley Sailing Club. 2nd Under 11 was George Graham of Burwain Sailing Club.

1st Girl was Ella Methven, 2nd girl Holly Dabson and 3rd girl Ellie Hutchings.

1st Under 14 Ollie Dixon, 2nd under 14 Ben Whaley and 3rd under 14 Elliott Kuzyk.

In 5th place overall was Crispin Beaumont, 4thJoseph Mullen, 3rd Paris Thomas, 2nd Arran Holman and the Winner of the 2012 4.2 National Championships was Dan Venables of Sutton Sailing Club.

A special thank you for the sponsors, Sailing Solutions, and also Topper International who donated some 4.2 sails for new competitors and a prize of a new 5.3 sail for the overall winner.

I would also like to add as a parent of a 4.2 sailor. It is a good thing that some Top 5.3 sailors compete at the 4.2 Nationals. In my opinion it makes a more competitive event; this helps the younger sailors learn and adds to the prestige of the event.

Overall Results: