Royal Harwich Yacht Club Topper Inter-Club Event
by Mike Clayton 15 Jul 2013 14:42 BST
13 July 2013
Eighteen Toppers from three clubs came to the Royal Harwich's new clubhouse on 13 July. The event is aimed at young sailors who are starting to learn to race through race training at their own clubs. Conditions were perfect with sunshine and a gentle force 2 for races 1 and 2 building with the sea breeze to a force 3 for the third race before moderating for the final race.
Sailors were supported by on the water coaching from Joe Hunt and Jerry Andrews and had a comprehensive briefing on the course, tide and starting sequence before going afloat.
On an individual level the four races saw three different winners and three boats tied on 8 points behind Euan Harris of Alton Water who scored a race win and 7 points. Only in race one did gaps open out between the leading boats with places being won or lost at all points around the race course.
The clear winner of race 1 was Richard Townley from Alton Water who pulled away from the rest on the first beat and was never challenged. Behind him in a clear second place, and racing a Topper competitively for the first time was Guy Parker from the Royal Harwich Yacht Club.
Race 2 saw another Alton Water sailor, Euan Harris port tack the fleet at the start. This was a much closer race with Guy Parker, and Benjamin Reuson of Harwich Town Sailing Club both challenging for the lead. Guy slipped back to fourth following a poor mark rounding at the final mark.
Race 3 saw another different winner with Benjamin Reuson pulling away in the stronger winds. These conditions did not help the lighter sailors such as Richard Townley and Euan Harris who finished 7th and 8th. Guy Parker sailed well for a strong second place and Charlie Crouch of Alton Water showed a strength in the windier conditions to finish third.
Going into race 4 any one of five sailors could have won the event. In the lighter winds Richard Townley again came to the front and held of Sabrina Ireland for his second win. Third place for Euan Harris was enough for him to win the individual event.
The Team Trophy, award to the Club's with the lowest score from three sailors was convincingly won by the Alton Water Topper Academy supported by their coach Jerry Andrews.