Topper Open at Dell Quay Sailing Club
by Bob West 4 Jun 2007 10:58 BST
2 June 2007
The prize winners (left to right); Alexandra Orton (6th), Michael Harris (3rd), Christopher West (4th) , Dan Bigsby (1st), Mark Oaky (2nd) at the Dell Quay Topper open © Bob West
On Saturday Dell quay hosted a Topper open meeting, which attracted a substantial fleet of 33 sailors from across the South Coast. Some of the fine young sailors were in attendance, including a number who race nationally and as part of regional squads.
Sailors enjoyed a series of 3 races with good weather conditions producing a steady sea breeze in time for the first start at midday.
Principal race officer Graham Goff ensured that accurately laid courses provided helms with competitive sailing and allowed for tactical racing particularly on the strategically set windward legs. Indeed the lead changed hands throughout the series with each race heralding a new winner.
Dan Bigsby, Mark Oaky, Chris West and Michael Harris all achieved finishes inside the top 2 and going into the final race of the day a series victory lay undecided. A combination of a now ebbing tide and the enthusiasm of the helms to finish the series with a top position resulted in 2 general recalls. Even on a 3rd attempt there were a number of premature starters who were recalled individually to the line. The fleet divided up the windward leg with many sailing out into the tide to speed their progress and a close finish saw a last minute reversal of positions in the leading pack.
Results were processed accurately and efficiently by the club and so close was the competition that all 3 results were required to break a series tie for first place. Dan Bigsby just nudged ahead of Mark Oaky to take victory ahead of Michael Harris and Chris West in a top four separated by only 3 points.
The Dell Quay event was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance and the club did well to encourage a large number of young sailors to race.
Overall Results:
1st Dan Bigsby (North Herts & East Beds) 3pts
2nd Mark Oakey (Portchester) 3pts
3rd Michal Harris (Spinnaker) 4pts
4th Chris West (Dell Quay) 6pts
5th Max Youward (Emsworth Slipper) 7pts
6th Alexandra Orton (Chichester) 10pts
7th Alex Benbow (Spinnaker) 14pts
8th Ben Hodges (Emsworth Slipper) 14pts