Topper Eastern Area Championships 2001

Ten visitors joined five local boats for the Topper Eastern Area Champs at Great Moor SC on Sunday 23 September.

In the light to moderate northerly breeze, Race Officer Marc Savitsky set courses to take full advantage of the lake's 65 acres of deep water, with good beats, reaches and runs, and there was competitive racing throughout the fleet.

Race 1 saw local helms Roger Phillips and Richard Valentine together with Kyle Paternoster from Grafham Water pull clear of the fleet. Spectators on the club terrace overlooking the lake had a good view of the close boat to boat racing and saw the lead change hands repeatedly. At the finish Phillips crossed first, followed by Valentine and Paternoster.

In Race 2 Valentine and Paternoster started well and were challenged initially by Simon Kearns (Grafham Water) and Michael Green (Great Moor) while Phillips battled to recover from a poor start. Valentine established a clear lead and won the race ahead of Paternoster and Phillips, who were followed over the line by Green and Kearns.

Following a hearty lunch from the galley and warmed by the open fire in the clubhouse, two more back to back races were held in the afternoon. Valentine emphasised his supremacy with two further convincing wins, while Phillips, Paternoster and Kearns scrapped over the minor places. Alec Savitsky (Great Moor) showed improved form and there was some tough competition in mid-fleet between Matthew Lingley (Ardleigh), Justin Martin (N Herts & E Beds), Emma Hardcastle (GWSC), Martyn Borley (Brightlingsea) and others. The under-12's George Talboys and Ronnie Tasker also showed great potential.

Special thanks to Marc Savitsky, Graham and Chris Turner, Graham and Jo Foster, and Richard and Bobby Foster.

Overall results: 1st Richard Valentine GMSC, 2nd Roger Phillips GMSC, 3rd Kyle Paternoster GWSC, 4th Simon Kearns GWSC, 5th Alec Savitsky GMSC, !st Junior Lady Emma Hardcastle GWSC.