Topper 4.2 World Championships at Loctudy, France
by Paul Graham 31 Jul 2013 22:40 BST
21-26 July 2013
Topper 4.2 World Championships at Loctudy, France © Adam McElroy
This was the 2nd time this World Championships had been organised to run concurrently with the Topper 5.3 World Championships. This small fleet of 15 competitors was still very competitive with many 4.2 National Squad Sailors participating.
The practice race was necessary, because nearly all the sailors sailed the wrong course.
The first race was sailed in light shifty conditions. In 3rd place was Paul Moughtin-Leay from Manor Park SC, 2nd George Graham from Burwain SC, and 1st place the hot favourite was Hamish Beaumont from Bartley SC. This proved to be the only race of the day.
The following day and the racing conditions had improved. The 2nd race of the week produced the same top 3. However race 3 produced a new winner Eleanor Cranfield from Hollowell SC, 2nd place went to Victoria Cowan from Porchester and 3rd place Charlie Tordoff Gibson from Christchurch SC.
Another race winner for race 4 David Rosie from Helensburg SC, 2nd place Eleanor and 3rd place Victoria. Race 5 was won by Eleanor, 2nd David and 3rd place Hamish.
Day 3 and slightly lighter winds, but still good for racing. Hamish was winning the race, but went round a wrong mark. Paul Moughtin-Leay took the advantage and won the race followed by Charlie, and Hamish sailed fantastic to finish 3rd. Race 7 was won by Hamish, followed by Paul and Charlie. Race 8 again won by Hamish, 2nd Victoria and Charlie in 3rd.
Day 4. Race 9 was won by Victoria, 2nd George and 3rd Hamish. Race 10 was won by Hamish, followed by Eleanor and Victoria. Race 11 Hamish 1st, 2nd Victoria and a fantastic 3rd place for Rachael McCluskey (Only 10 years old) from Nantwich/Leigh & Lowton SC. Race 12 Hamish 1st, George 2nd and Eleanor 3rd.
Day 5 was very light and shifty and no racing took place.
Loctudy is a beautiful place and an excellent sailing venue. The Sailing Club had been excellent, providing a superb BBQ and Crepes. The racing was well organised.
The girls top three were Victoria Cowan, Eleanor Cranfield and Rachael McClusky.
In 5th place was David Rosie from Scotland, 4th Place Eleanor Cranfield, 3rd place George Graham, 2nd Victoria Cowan and the World Champion 2013 was Hamish Beaumont.
Full results can be found here and the a superb photo gallery by Adam McElroy can be found here.