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Topper 4.2 Nationals at Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Burnham

by Paul Graham 17 Jun 2013 18:07 BST

This year's Topper 4.2 Nationals were hosted by Royal Corinthian Yacht Club at Burnham-on-Crouch. There were 52 entries; this was helped by 11 local sailors from the Corinthian Otters and half a dozen 5.3 sailors stepping down a weight division for the weekend. The rest of the fleet was made up mainly of the 4.2 National Squad.

The ages of the sailors ranged from 10 to 16 years old; and some sailors travelled a long way for example: Llyn Brenig in North Wales, Paignton SC, and Burwain SC in Lancashire.

The sailors were met by very strong winds on the Saturday and it looked unlikely that any sailing would take place. The race officer did make decision to try for a race at 2.30 pm when the wind eased. Unfortunately the wind soon increased as they were launching and those that did make it onto the water were soon sent back in. I think this was the correct decision only half a dozen of the bigger and more experienced sailors could have raced in those conditions.

The spirit of these young sailors was not dented and they placed football, cricket and socialised.

The next morning they had been advised of an early start time 9am first race; therefore an 8am launch! All of the sailors were ready with their lunches packed for a hard days racing. The first race was won by the hot favourite Crispin Beaumont of Bartley SC followed by Arran Holman of Hollowell in 2nd, Thomas Wallwork of Redsmere in 3rd and a fantastic 4th place for Eleanor Cranfield from Hollowell.

The second race was won by Aaron, followed by Crispin in 2nd, Thomas in 3rd and Arthur Brown from Royal Burnham YC in 4th.

The 3rd race went to Crispin, Aaron in 2nd, Arthur in 3rd, and Michael O'Driscoll from Crawley Mariners in 3rd.

The sailors then had a short on the water break to ensure they ate and drank fluid, which was important as the sun had come out. The wind was generally a force 3 and ideal for all the sailors. Arthur went on to win race 4 followed by Ewan Gribbin from Paignton in 2nd, Crispin in 3rd and Aaron in 4th.

Another race winner with Ollie Dixon from Royal Harwich YC taking the bullet in race 5, Crispin maintaining consistency in 2nd, Aaron in 3rd and Thomas in 4th. The tide had now turned and this was pushing the boats over the start line; however only 4 OCS.

The 6th and final race was won by Aaron, Crispin in 2nd, Mathew Jayasekara from Corinthian Otter in 3rd and Joe Barr from Corinthian Otters in 4th.

The sailors then returned at 3pm after a long day on the water; a good 6 hours on the water! I have to say I was a little sceptical about the choice of venue for this event; however I was proved wrong. The members of Royal Burnham YC put a lot of effort into this Championships and encouraged their young sailors to enter.

It was then over to the prize giving. The race officer commented on the very high standard of racing and also the fun and enthusiasm of the young sailors.

The Endeavour award went to Dominic Moon from Corinthian Otters who finished all the races and came 51st. 1st under 11 year old boy went to William Harrison from Marconi SC. 1st under 11 year old girl was Coco Barrett from Queen Mary/Desborough. 1st under 13 boy went to George Graham from Burwain SC. 1st under 13 girl went to Eleanor Poole from Star Cross Yacht Club. Eleanor Cranfield from Hollowell SC was 3rd girl, 2nd girl was Ellen Morley from Corinthian Otters and 1st girl was Victoria Cowan from Portchester.

1st Otter went to Mathew Jayasekara from a Galaxy far far away.

A special trophy for the first 4.2 National Squad sailor went to Ewan Gribbin from Paignton SC. In fifth place was Ollie Dixon from Royal Harwich SC. In 4th place was the local legend Arthur Brown from Burnham Yacht Club.

The top 3 went to the experienced 5.3 sailors who had borrowed a 4.2 sail for the weekend.

In third place was Thomas Wallwork from Redesmere, 2nd was Aaron Holman from Hollowell and the winner and this years 4.2 National Champion was Crispin Beaumont from Bartley SC. Crispin delivered a well thought out and confident speech thanking the race officer and his team for their efforts, his brother for lending him his sail, and the Dad's because it was Fathers day.

The next 4.2 National series event is at Derwent Reservoir in July; please visit the Topper website for details. This also coincides with the 5.3 Topper event. Camping is available. I have a memory of this being and excellent venue.

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