Rooster South East Topper Travellers at Lancing Sailing Club
by David Trout 17 Jul 2018 11:46 BST
7 July 2018
A fleet of ten Toppers took to the sea at Lancing Beach on a hot Sunday with a variable SW breeze predicted. Race officer David Trout got the racing underway promptly into a 7-9 knot wind, helped by a clean start from the fleet.
The right hand side of the course seemed favoured by slightly less adverse tide and it was from here that the leading boats emerged. Aaron Evans (Silver Wing SC) and James Crossley (Datchet Water SC) had a close first 2 laps with Henry Koe (South Bank SC) keeping them alert just behind. The wind eased to 5 knots on lap 3, and Evans showed good speed and concentration to extend his lead and take the win as this proved to be the final lap.
Race two got underway in this lighter flukier wind with the course reduced in size to compensate. Evans was keeping a close eye this time on Lawrence Donelly (Surrey Docks) who had rejoined the fleet after a boat problem in race 1. Crossley was well in contention again but faded over the last 2 laps allowing Koe to move into 3rd. This first 3 had noticeably better speed on the downwind legs, partly it seemed from experimenting with different rigs settings in the difficult conditions.
Just as it seemed likely that race 3 might have to be abandoned, the wind shifted further west and increased to about 7 knots. The RO made a quick course change and sent the fleet away, hoping that the breeze would hold. Evans was overkeen this time and was considerably OCS, retiring from midfleet after lap 1 with the overall win guaranteed. Koe and Donnelly had the race under control by lap 3, with Crossley leading the rest, but eventually losing ground to be passed by Miles Vidler (Crawley Mariners YC) on lap 4 who had his best result in 3rd.
A great day was had by all the sailors and parents; a big thank you goes to all the volunteers from Lancing Sailing Club who made the event a success and thanks go to the galley for providing food and drinks with a slice of humour. Thanks also go to our sponsor Rooster for the prizes awarded.
Overall Results:
1st Aaron Evans
2nd Henry Koe
3rd Lawrence Donnelly
1st Non Squad sailor, Miles Vidler
1st Home club sailor, Mike Hartnell