ITCA Rooster Southern Topper Traveller Spring Series Finale at Stokes Bay Sailing Club
by Reuben Wealthy 15 Jul 19:04 BST
ITCA Rooster Southern Topper Traveller Spring Series © Andy Wealthy
Warm weather and clear skies greeted the 30 keen Topper sailors at Stokes Bay on Saturday the 11th of June for the last Southern Traveller open in the series for 2026.
Wind conditions started with NE offshore breeze with flat water and plenty of gusts and shifts to start the day; racing started in the challenging conditions. After race 1, the wind shifted round to the east and, with a quick repositioning of the course, racing continued in choppier waters but with a less gusty breeze.
In the 4.2 fleet taking the first race, with a commanding lead, was Martha H from Hamble River SC. But George K came out on top to take the win when he found his form to win the final three races with some very close racing.
In the 5.3 fleet starts were challenging with tide pushing the fleet over the line making for some excellent competition sailing. In race 1 Reuben W took an early lead but lost out to late challenges from Phileas R and George H who took 1st and 2nd places respectively.
In races 2 and 3, local knowledge paid off with Reuben W earning two bullets. George H sailed a fantastic race 4, reading the conditions well, and holding off the fleet to take the win.
At the end of the day points were very close at the front of the fleet between George H and Reuben W, with 5 points each. Local sailor Reuben won the open, on count-back, with two wins under his belt.
The sailing was followed by a fantastic prize-giving in the clubhouse, including the end of season series.
A fantastic day for all with great racing at Stokes Bay in stellar conditions. Thanks to Bruce Keen and his team for organising another amazing event. Roll on 2027.
Stokes Bay 5.3 fleet winners:
1st Reuben Wealthy
2nd George Hyde
3rd Phileas Rouselle
4th Hendricks Long
5th Joel Keen
6th Henry Ross
Stokes Bay 4.2 fleet winners:
1st George Klaschka
2nd Martha Hart
3rd Sorley Morrison
4th Emily Doughty
5th Amelie Motherwell
6th Bella Oborne
Full results