Scottish Topper Championships at Helensburgh Sailing Club
by Sophie Kennedy 24 May 17:06 BST
21-22 May 2022
Prize winners in the Scottish Topper Championships © Peter Brown
The weekend at Helensburgh Sailing Club started with bright sunshine and no wind however it was due to build. Eager to start sailing the race committee launched us on schedule.
After a lot of pumping the 17 sailors racing in the main fleet reached the race course where there still wasn't much wind. The race committee made the decision to start the first race and the wind slowly built as the day progressed. Day one ended with is being towed home after three competitive races in shifty winds with Ben Homer in 1st Thomas Loosley in 2nd and Finley Briggs in 3rd.
Day 2 began with the sun shining and light winds, but like the previous day it was forecast to build with some decent gusts. Once everyone was on the water the course had to be moved around as the wind was shifting all over the place. Especially in the 3rd race of the day which was abandoned due to the massive right shift. The day continued with a couple of capsizes and some very close races between the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th boats. It eventually ended with Ben Homer in 1st, Finely Briggs in 2nd, Ruairi Herrington in 3rd and myself in 4th as 1st girl.
Once everyone was ashore and de-rigged prize-giving commenced, the top four sailors were awarded prizes. Along with prizes for the Scottish cup. A massive thank you to Helensburgh Sailing Club for making us most welcome, the sandwiches and home bakes throughout the weekend were excellent. Thank you to the race officer, his team and tall he volunteers for running a great event.
The Topper fleet are now looking forward to the next traveller at St Mary's Loch on 21st and 22nd of May.