Midlands Topper Traveller Series at Bartley Sailing Club

The second event of the Midlands Topper Traveller Series took place on Sunday 1st November at Bartley S.C. with the event fully subscribed to the 30 boat limit demonstrating, yet again, what an active Topper fleet there is in the Midlands.

The event had been postponed once due to a complete lack of wind, but this wasn't a problem for the rescheduled date! With storms buffeting the country it was a close call as to whether the wind would be too strong, however, there looked to be a short window of opportunity between frontal systems and the fleet took to the water in bright sunshine and a fresh breeze.

Midland Toppers at Bartley - photo © Debbie Degge

Race 1 started on time with a long beat to the top of the reservoir followed by a run and a couple of reaches back to the start. As the competitors made their way to the windward mark the pressure steadily built making the bear away and downwind legs a case of 'hold on tight for a great ride'. After lap one the leaders had pulled ahead of the chasing pack demonstrating a master class of high wind sailing with Heather Quinn from Notts County SC taking the closely contested win from Hayden Moore (Notts County) and Arlo Turner (Glossop). The conditions definitely favoured the 4.2 rig for the lighter weight sailors with Jessica Powell (Draycote) first home in 5th.

The wind picked up a few knots once the leaders passed through the gate leading to a busy time for the rescue crews recovering helms and then returning for their equipment. This led to a slight delay to the second race whilst the sailing area was made safe.

Midland Toppers at Bartley - photo © Debbie Degge

Race 2 commenced with a slightly reduced fleet and a change in the course to replace the downwind run with a couple of broad reaches. The top 3 were again consistent, finishing the 2 laps of the course almost 15 minutes ahead of the tail end boats. This time it was Arlo who took the win from Hayden and Heather with Imogen Green (Draycote) ahead of Jessica Powell in the 4.2 class in 8th and 9th respectively.

There was a quick turnaround to get Race 3 off before the next weather front came in. Amazingly a few of the competitors who had returned to shore in race 1 had reefed or changed sails and were out to sail again - it just goes to show how sailing builds resilience and determination, these young sailors are bullet proof!

Midland Toppers at Bartley - photo © Debbie Degge

The third race saw Arlo Turner taking a dominant lead but this time Sam Grayton (Notts County) took second place as his results gradually improved over the regatta. Hayden Moore took a solid 3rd with Tara Ewbank (Chase SC) in 4th. In the 4.2s Jessica led the way with Eddie Quinn (Notts County) close behind.

With the wind continuing to build and fatigue beginning to set in for sailors and rescue crews alike the race officer decided that 3 races were enough and the fleet returned to shore.

Overall Results: