Topaz National Championships at Datchet Water Sailing Club
by Jon Manners 20 Jun 2002 19:42 BST
Photo © Terry Cherrill
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The First Topaz National Championship was held at Datchet Water Sailing Club with sponsorship from Sola Wetsuits. The event was scheduled for two days but due to windy conditions the fleet decided not to sail on the Saturday, this lead much of the fleet to seek out a television to watch England play. So the Sunday dawned with less wind and a fleet ready to race, the fleet was comprised of a full mix of rig options.
The first race was a closely contested from the start line with the lead being exchanged regularly by Liam O'Neil and Daniel Cloudsdale. In the last leg Liam managed to hold Daniel off to take the line honers. Third place was taken by Bradley O'Neil with Robert Rodgers taking fourth.
The second race was run as soon as the fleet finished not giving any time for a rest in the steady force 3 conditions. This race was appearing to be as close a contest between Daniel and Liam as the first until Liam was forced to retire allowing Daniel a easy win and Robert to sneak through in
to second.
Following a short lunch break the fleet re assbled for the final race. This proved to be a very tactical event with Daniel holding position in the fleet to take line honours and the title of first Topaz National champion.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Type | Helm (& crew) |
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| 1st | Topaz Duo | Daniel Cloudsdale & Beckey Lowe |
| 2nd | Topaz Duo | Liam O'Neil & Ben Davis |
| 3rd | Topaz Uno | Robert Rogers
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