Topper Winter Regatta at Paignton Sailing Club
by Nick Ripley 29 Jan 2013 20:07 GMT
26 January 2013
Topper Winter Regatta at Paignton © Nick Ripley
After the recent weather problems it was a bright and sunny morning on Saturday 26th January when 16 youngsters launched their Toppers from Paignton Sailing Club to take part in the ITCA South West Winter Regatta.
The first race was sailed in light winds and the first 10 boats were all closely matched and changed places frequently. Luke Robertson (Wimbleball) won this first race with Ewan and Luke Gribbin (Paignton) coming second and third respectively. The light winds suiting their sailing styles.
The wind started to build for the second race and again the youngsters were closely matched with Luke Robertson starting to pull away from the bunch. Luke finished first with Rhianon Flack (Spinnaker) and Paris Thomas (Paignton) following. Paris just taking Hal Sanderson on the line for third place.
By the third race the wind has picked up to over 20 knots and the smaller guys started to struggle. The podium positions for 2nd and 3rd were not decided until the final gybe mark when Paris Thomas capsized while in a strong second position.
After a bowl of hot pasta to help warm up all the competitors prizes were presented to Luke Robertson (1st), Rhiannon Flack (2nd) and Paris Thomas (3rd). The Endeavour prize was presented to Rory Gladstone (Starcross).
Nick Ripley (Chairman of Paignton Junior Club) thanked all the sailors (and their parents) for braving the winter weather to arrive on the English Riviera. He also thanked all the helpers who gave up their time to ensure that the event ran smoothly both on and off the water. The ITCA South West Area will be back at Paignton Sailing Club on 16th and 17th February with an open coaching event. Anyone interested in taking part in some excellent coaching in a beautiful location then contact