Topper North Travellers at Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club

Topper North Travellers at Hollingworth © Peter Bramwell

On arrival, despite the limited water, the wind, and direction looked promising. It was the second North Topper Traveller of the series, hosted by Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club, and 20 young sailors were getting ready for a competitive day of racing. After a briefing the Toppers took to the water in a breezy 12-14 knot wind.

The first race got away with Ava Harris-Scott (Elton SC) rounding the windward mark first with Jasper Bramwell (Hollingworth Lake SC) and Charlotte Cooper (West Lancs. YC) just behind her. Jasper overtook on the downwind leg and Ava chased hard. On the second upwind the knot came undone from Charlotte's mainsheet putting her almost last and having to work her way back up the fleet.

Jasper finished first, with Kyla Baxter (Covenham SC) just behind, then Ava.

With the wind building, the 2nd race began. Jasper, George (Ripon SC), and a few others were over the line and had to make there way back. Ava led the fleet for two laps until Charlotte overtook her on the upwind.

Being unable to count laps Charlotte and Ava both thought they were finishing but quickly realised they had another lap to do; this let Kyla catch up but not overtake.

In the middle of the fleet Millie Hayfield (HLSC) and Mathew Baird (Budworth SC) were battling it out. In the end Charlotte finished first, Ava in second, Kyla in third and Jasper got a fourth.

After the second race the top three (Jasper, Ava, and Kyla) were all on equal points.

After a lunch break, the sailors all got back out for the third race of the day. It was a clean start, and the left-hand side was favoured on the first beat. Jasper rounded the windward mark first with Ava close behind. On the second beat the wind favoured the right-hand side. George Spence (Ripon SC), Fred Buckley (Yorkshire Dales SC), and Harriet Wood (Elton SC) traded places all throughout the race.

Lara Eagleton (Scaling Dam SC) was on for a great result until she death-rolled downwind close to the finish, getting her mast stuck in the mud.

Sailing a 4.2, Nayth Kukla (Windsford Flash SC) missed the start due to mechanical failure but fought back up to second 4.2. Jasper finished first overall, closely followed by Ava then Charlotte in 3rd and Kyla in fourth.

Topper North Travellers at Hollingworth - photo © Peter Bramwell

After the result in the third race this put Jasper in first overall Ava in second and Kyla in third, the discards would come in soon so Charlotte would discard her 16th and be on equal points with Ava, this meant it all came down to the last race.

The race began and Jasper was over the line again, but quickly turned around and went across on port. Kyla was also over and did not turn back she was only told on the second beat so was forced to retire from the race.

Tristan Shaw (Budworth SC) tacked off and had a good first beat. Charlotte capsized next to the windward mark but got it up quickly and remained in first. Charlotte and Jasper battled it out all race, but Jasper got the win with Charlotte just behind and Ava in third.

The 4.2 sailors battled it out all day where Annabel Hayfield (HLSC) managed to remain ahead overall and secure first place despite a strong final race from Nayth in second with Hugo Calvey-Sutcliffe (Burwain SC) in third.

Many thanks to Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club for organising an excellent day of racing in good winds, rounded off by Rhiann Bramwell handing out some amazing prizes from Craft Insure and Hawk Marine. The next event will be at Leigh and Lowton on 5th November.

Thank you Craftinsure and Hawk Marine Products Ltd for your generous sponsorship.

Topper North Travellers at Hollingworth - photo © Peter Bramwell

Overall Results:

Newcomer award - Nayth, Winsford Flash Sailing Club
Endeavour Award - Lucy, Elton Sailing Club
Award for first time competing in Topper event - Alfie, Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club

Topper North Travellers at Hollingworth - photo © Rhiann Bramwell