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Topper Winter Regatta 200+ boats in the snow! |
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Written by Fiona Tylecote
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Tuesday, 23 February 2010 |
Over 200 children from 80+ clubs braved the icy conditions to take part in one of the country's premier youth sailing events. Whilst most children were out polishing off their sledges, this hardy lot were brushing the snow and ice off their boats before going on the water.
The Topper Winters were held at the club this weekend and with 11 club members competing, more than any other club, we were able to demonstrate the strength of the Junior Programme.
With over 200 cars, boats and RIBs to get on site it was a bit of a logistical exercise but one which Pete Ashworth yet again took in his stride.
Saturday started frosty and with very little wind, however when the boats did get on the water it was a fantastic effort by the local team with Bradley Hilton port tacking the fleet and making it to the first windward mark in first place. In the second race Bradley got a second and Henry Morley a third, boosting the whole team morale and bringing happy faces ashore that evening. William Alloway and Gerorgina Clabburn had also got results in the top 20.
Sunday dawned with a snow storm, and yet this did not deter the keen sailors who were ready to go at 10. However the race team were not so lucky, with a number of them snowed in at home. Some quick thinking by the Rutland team enabled the racing to go ahead and two further races were held – this time just off the clubhouse allowing everyone a fantastic grandstand view of the racing. To see 200 coloured sails of the Topper fleet beating their way upwind to the mark is an incredible sight and one which everyone enjoyed. |
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Finn Lynch from Blessington Sailing Club continued his winning form finishing the event as he had started, with a race win to take the overall title with just 5 points. George Meredith and Andrew Green fought a hard battle to take second and third place respectively with 9 points each. Bradley Hilton continued his great form to get a 4th in one race to leave him finishing 7th overall which is a fantastic result. At just 12 years old Lawrence Clabburn and Callum Terry were two of the youngest out on the water, and the commitment to get out there when your fingers are cold is quite something at that age, particular congratulations go to Lawrence who finished every race.
There was also a fleet for the kids sailing with a reduced sail. This was won by Niall Houston from Hayling Island Sailing Club. Club member Luke Berry put in a plucky performance with a 3rd and a 5th on the Sunday to finish 6th overall.
I would just like to mention all of the home competitors as I know just how much effort they put into their racing and would like to congratulate them all. Don’t young people feel the cold?
Bradley Hilton, William Alloway, Henry Morley, Gerogina Clabburn, Lawrence Clabburn, Rebecca Stowe, Edward Ashworth, Lori Hodson, Calum Terry, Luke Berry and Hannah Stowe.
In addition thanks must go to William Jeffcoate and his race officer team as well as Dick Richardson and his coxswains and rescue crews – hot toddies all round required!
Results
Main fleet (185 competitors)
1st Finn Lynch
2nd George Meredith
3rd Andrew Green
1st Rutland boat - Bradley Hilton (7th)
4.2s (20 competitors)
1st Niall Houston
2nd Halden Nielsen-Timms
3rd Joanne Foster
1st Rutland boat - Luke Berry (6th) |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 01 March 2010 )
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