Bough Beech Racing - Topper Report May 2007
Thirty-one Toppers were on the start line at Bough Beech Sailing Club on 17th May for the fifth event in the SE Traveller series. The forecast was for eight to ten knots of breeze, but on the day this proved a tricky north easterly with constant shifts, north to north east.
In the morning the Race Officer set a trapezoid course with a kink along the run to avoid a headland and any potentially angry fishermen. In the first race Jonathan Hewat (MYC) led from the start, chased by George Spedding, (QMSC) but at the first mark it was Papercourts Ollie Machell challenging Hewat's dominance of the beat. Two laps however saw Hewat finish first, followed by Will Street. (PBSC).
The second race saw Hewat start from the middle of the line, but a general reacall prompted the Race Officer to commence the next start under a black flag. Spedding squeezed out across the line right on the gun and immediately tacked onto port, followed, slightly higher, by Jonty Freeman (NSSC) and ominously for them, Hewat, who, ultimately was first up the beat. Will Street challenged Hewat on the next two legs, followed by Spedding and Freeman. On the second lap a battle developed between Spedding and Freeman with each overhauling the other. As the wind dropped and shifted slightly the rain came down, but Spedding took full advantage of the shift to finish second.
Perhaps at lunch one or two of the sailors enjoyed a little too much cake from the mouthwatering selection on offer from the galley. In any event, the beat was shortened, making conditions less tricky against the easterly shore. Spedding took an early lead followed by Freeman, with Hewat in the chasing pack, covering on port. As mist and low cloud obscured the Sevenoaks Weald, the wind moved to the northeast, the reach turned into broad reach and Spedding began his dominance of the race. He could not be caught, either by Freeman or the chasing pack made up of squad and club sailors. Over three laps his dominance of the race was total.
The final race saw Imogen Smith (BBSC) away to a strong start at the pin end. However as the wind moved back around to the northeast the pack remained bunched and she was soon swallowed by it. Ollie Machell led at the mark, looking nervously over his shoulder at Spedding and Hewat. Matchell held on along both the reach and the run, but on the first beat back to the line, the wind moved back to a northerly direction. This was spotted by Spedding and Hewat and a tactical battle ensued between the three. Experience prevailed and the final laps saw sailing similar to match racing between Hewat and Freeman. Indeed there were battles such as this throughout the fleet, enjoyed by the parents and spectators in the Galley and out on the clubhouse balcony. The racing was close and exciting at all levels, with personal victories and triumphs throughout the fleet. In the end however, it was Hewat who won the day.
Hundreds of photos were taken on the day - we have posted a small collection in the Photo Gallery.
Positions:
1st. Jonathan Hewat (MYC)
2nd. George Spedding (QMSC)
3rd. Jonty Freeman (NSSC)
4th. Will Street (PBSC)
5th. Charlotte Fenn (NSSC)