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Rooster 2025

South West Topper Travellers at Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club

by Edward Lee 20 Mar 2024 11:00 GMT 17 March 2024
South West Topper Travellers at Bristol Corinthian © James Willis

Twenty one Toppers arrived at Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club on Sunday 17th March 2024 for the first of the 12 South West Topper Travellers scheduled for 2024. It was sunny, still, and for the first time in a long, long time, the reservoir was really full of water after all the recent rain.

When we went out it was light wind and the wind was shifting everywhere. Just before the first start there was a large shift which meant the beat became a reach. On race 2 the course was moved around but there was still a bit of pin bias and a further shift meant on starboard you couldn't get over the line.

This race, and those following, were also made interesting because it was a starboard rounding, a novelty for some sailors. In the start sequence of race 3 the wind suddenly picked up to about F4. The wind direction was similar to race 2 and we all started at the pin meaning it was very crowded.

By race 4 the wind had gone back right a little, meaning you could get across the line on starboard. This was interesting on the start because a few people started on starboard this time.

Throughout the day the wind was constantly shifting so you'd be on the lay line one second and be miles away from it the next. All very interesting for the sea sailors in the fleet.

All of the races were won by Thomas Semmens, with Harry Mills second. Edward Lee was third in the event but wasn't third in all the races. Only a point separated him and Toby Colls in fourth. In the 4.2 fleet it was much more exciting, with first and second places on equal points, only separated on countback.

Emelia Willis winning the last race was just enough to pip Finley Kirkby for the 1,2. Anabelle Moyes took 3rd overall.

Despite the challenging and unpredictable conditions the race officers did a great job and we'll see you at the next event in Fowey on 30th and 31st March. Thanks to the many organisers and helpers who make these events possible and to the club and Clipper Ventures for supplying lots of prizes.

5.3 Results:

PosSail NoHelmClubR1R2R3R4Pts
1st49098Thomas SemmensBrixham YC/Paignton SC‑11113
2nd47621Harry MillsSaltash SC‑22226
3rd47732Edward LeeSaltash SC‑1134310
4th47615Toby CollsChew Valley Lake SC34‑5411
5th44193Amelie BallantyneStarcross YC4‑53512
6th44241Anna GribbleN/A5‑86819
7th193Martina VasiliPaignton SC6‑128721
8th15984Sophie RobertsN/A967(DNF)22
9th11Leo GriffithsChew Valley Lake SC/Exe SC87‑9924
10th46913Leo KanekoDittisham SC‑101010626
11th44028Dylan PritchettChew Valley Lake SC79DNF(DNC)29
12th31767Esme HemingwayWest Oxfordshire SC‑1211111032

4.2 Results:

PosSail NoHelmClubR1R2R3R4Pts
1st48685Emelia WillisParkstone YC2‑4114
2nd47310Finley KirkbyBristol Corinthian YC112‑34
3rd47754Annabelle MoyesParkstone YC‑53429
4th47684Brooke BrowningBristol Corinthian YC‑42349
5th42331James CollsChew Valley Lake SC365‑714
6th7Ethan GriffithsChew Valley Lake SC/Exe SC‑857517
7th47835Hattie SteeleParkstone YC6‑76618
8th49198Oliver MayBristol Corinthian YC7‑88823
9th47182Sacha GerraParkstone YC(DNC)DNCDNCDNC33

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