Topper North West Travellers at Redesmere Sailing Club

A gusty day for the Redesmere Topper Open © Robert Eastcott

A gusty day for the Redesmere Topper Open © Robert Eastcott

A good turnout of 23 competitors consisting of 7 home boats and 16 visitors arrived at Redesmere for round 5 of this years North West Topper Traveller. There were surprised comments from some visitors at the sight of visible wind as they arrived, following a number of years with light winds at the same event.

By the time racing got away however, the wind had faded slightly and shifted round to a south westerly direction. The first race started cleanly on a P flag and Tom Wallwork soon established a clear lead from the following pack. Second place was initially taken by Oliver Davenport, but he was overtaken by the end of lap one by Lucy Mearns and then soon after by Georgie McKenzie. These first three positions were then held through to the end of the race.

After a BBQ style lunch (it was too wet to BBQ outside this year), race 2 got started with a change in the course,as the wind had swung to a more westerly direction. Once again Wallwork led the following group of McKenzie and Mearns. Mearns passed both McKenzie and Wallwork to lead at the end of lap two, only for Wallwork to regain the lead by the end of lap 3. With some swapping of positions behind him, Wallwork finished in first followed by Mearns and McKenzie.

There was time to enjoy and drink and cakes in the normal Redesmere tradition, before Race 3 started with a wind that had unexpectedly swung back to South Westerly. With the event now in the bag for Wallwork, there was only the lower positions that could be amended by positions in this final race. The Race Officer tested the competitors by setting yet another different course. This final race started once again with a clean start and Wallwork soon established a commanding lead. The following group consisted of Mearns and McKenzie who held onto their respective positions throughout the race, despite a strong challenge from Davenport later in the race as the wind built with gusts of 22 knots. Overall this left the standings as Wallwork first, Mearns second and first girl, with McKenzie third and first U14. Sam Cooper was awarded a prize for first U14 outside of the main prizes and as there were five entries sailing with 4.2 sails a special prize was given to Luke Staniland as first 4.2 in 16th place.

Commodore Rachel Ward presented the prizes after thanking everyone for attending, especially those who had come from some distance away. These included two competitors who travelled over 90 miles just to get some sailing in this weekend.

Overall Results: