CraftInsure Topper National Series 4 at Paignton Sailing Club
by Adam McElroy 8 Jun 2014 18:53 BST
31 May - 1 June 2014
CraftInsure Topper National Series at Paignton © Richard Barry
CraftInsure Topper National Series at Paignton ©Richard Barry
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The Toppers have been coming back to Paignton for their national series event since the Topper GBR Nationals in 2008.
Sunshine on the seafront welcomed the sailors to the English Riviera on Saturday morning and, after a welcome from the Mayor, 190 Toppers were swiftly rigged and ready to race in the light airs of Torbay.
After a prudent two hour postponement, which allowed parents and siblings time to enjoy ice creams on the esplanade, 190 Toppers lined up across the beach ready for a mass launch - and fully justified the Toppers reputation as the most photogenic junior class, with many tourists stopping to talk to the shore crew and taking photographs of the fleet as it made its way out to the race area.
Unfortunately with winds below 5 knots, and constantly shifting, the race committee on the 5.3 course were challenged to maintain a reasonable racecourse and after a number of failed races, racing was abandoned for the day.
Sunday morning promised an improving breeze with more reliable direction and so racing was able to start on time, making the most of the offshore morning winds.
Two races were successfully completed before racing had to be abandoned as the wind died once again and towing was allowed for the support fleet to bring the Toppers ashore, on-time.
The light and variable conditions tested the tactical sailing skills of every sailor and the results were a clean sweep for the Girls, in 1-4th place.
Prizes were presented by Gordon Oliver, elected Mayor of Torbay and Trish Walker, Commodore, Paignton Sailing Club.
Many thanks to Paignton Sailing Club and for the logistical support of Torbay Council, Royal Torbay Yacht Club and Brixham Yacht Club in organising this event.
Special thanks to Ness & Nick Ripley and Guy Gribbin at PSC for their exceptional contributions to this weekend.
Overall Results:
1. Freya Cumpsty
2. Bella Fellows
3. Nancy Scott
4. Georgie McKenzie
5. Tom Renny (1st Boy)
6. Elliot Kuzyk
7. Ewan Gribbin (1st Paignton sailor)
8. Paul Moughtin-Leay
9. Simon Gadsby
10. Tom Walker
23. Piers Luxford (1st Youth)