ITCA London and South East Topper Autumn Traveller Series 2022 at Whitstable Yacht Club

The third event in the Autumn series was held at Whitstable Yacht Club on Sunday 25th September. The day started with clear skies and steady 15 knot wind from the north. The long fetch meant substantial waves were forming providing some great downwind surfing conditions. The tide was rising to midday then falling after meaning we had to get the 4 races undertaken swiftly.

The tide proved to challenging in the morning flooding and in the afternoon ebbing but we were warned that the tide hav no slack period and would be moving fast after lunch. So we launched on time and went into sequence as soon as we could to get all 4 races completed.

Race 1 was into the tide and the waves were large and sharp giving tricky conditions, but with the 15+knots the saliors were able to power over the waves. Leo Yates was first at the windward mark, followed by Leah May. Rory Clow headed left up the beat which did not give an advantage. The course was large and a good length start line gave the sailors and clear start, with most starting at port end. On the second beat leo extended his lead but lead hung on sailor fast and pointing high. Rory and Jessica Powell fought herioe qay though the pack to get into the top 4, but failed to catch leo and leah. Leo wond the race and Leah 2nd, Jessica 3rd Rory 4th.

ITCA London and South East Topper Traveller Autumn Series at Whitstable - photo © Oli Yates

In race 2, the fleet was lead off the line by Leo closely followed by Harry Mitchell and Rory Clow. Leo got to the windward mark first again and headed downwind and slowly accelerated away from the chasing pack to win Race 2. Harry was fast downwind and worked hard to keep the Leah and Rory behind all the way to the finish line, giving harry 2nd place, Rory 3rd and leah 4th.

In race 3 the wind dropped rapidly to around 8 to 10knots, but the waves were still large caseusing a very sloppy sea state, causing challenging conditions. Majority started on starboard end, with Leah the only boat on the ports attempting a port flyer with good success giving her clear air. Leo lead at the windward again, closely following Rory, with Leah very close behind. Jessica and Harry following in ther own battle. At there leeward mark leo had extended the lead and during the second beat continued to extend and at the 2nd windward had a very large lead over Rory. Leo won the race with a leg and a half lead, followed by Rory beating Leah and putting them now in equal points. Seb Robb also has a great second beat to work his way to 4th place behind Leah.

ITCA London and South East Topper Traveller Autumn Series at Whitstable - photo © Oli Yates

The final race the tide had changed and was starting to force the sailors out to sea. The sea state was still sloppy and wind very light. The start was very even with all sailors evenly spread along the line, but once again Leo progressively pulled away and got to the windward first. The down wind was now into the increasing tidal flow, meaning a very slow downwind leg. The race committee seeing this decided that they needed to shorten the race allowing sailors to get in before the tide got too strong. Leo lead round the leeward mark and headed up to win his 4th race, thereby winning all 4 races of the event. The battle between Leah and Rory ended with Rory getting a 3rd and Leah having a slow initial beat giving her 10th, this giving Rory 2nd and Leah 3rd overall.

Congratulations to the event winner Leo Yates with 4 1st places and a perfect score, and also being first at every windward mark. Rory Clow was second and very well sailed. Leah May was 3rd and first girl being the best result to date for her at a traveller.

Leo Yates wins the ITCA London and South East Topper Traveller Autumn Series at Whitstable - photo © Oli Yates

Rory Clow finishes 2nd in the ITCA London and South East Topper Traveller Autumn Series at Whitstable - photo © Oli Yates

Leah May finishes 3rd in the ITCA London and South East Topper Traveller Autumn Series at Whitstable - photo © Oli Yates

In the 4.2 fleet there were 5 sailors, but a great battle ensued between Callum Harris and Sam Dence. Both kids won 2 races but Callum won the 4.2's on count back. First WYC sailor was

A huge thank you goes to our host Whitstable Yacht Club for organising a brilliant event, decent winds and setting 4 amazing races. We look forward to returning next year.

Overall Results: