Great Moor SC: Topper Open, 25/3/06

22 sailors arrived at GMSC on the 25th March from as far a field as Norfolk and Essex and were rewarded for their efforts with sunshine and a blustery SW force 4, along with the traditional GMSC bacon rolls. The entrants included 4 ITCA Youth Squad members, 3 of the JDP and 7 of the Topper Eastern Zone Squad, all keen to test a winters training. Eight new sailors also joined the seasoned travellers of the 17-event Eastern Region Topper circuit. This was great to see, as the region has said farewell to 12+ of last year’s fleet who have moved on to other classes this season.

At the briefing race officer, John Howell explained the trapezoid course with inner loop that was to be sailed in the 4 races. 6 competitors made the decision to reef or use the 4.2 sail as they rigged. A lee shore provided the first challenge for launching between the jetties and the shore, but eventually all the fleet were successfully launched just before the preparatory signal.

As they lined up for the start, the fleet were a little line shy and this gave Matt Johnson the chance to get away at the gun; he led the 45-minute race from the start showing great pace and had ¾ leg lead by the gun. Finlay Barnham sailed consistently to finish 2nd, followed by Marina Brassington.

Marina lead for the first 2 laps of race 2, followed by Fergus Barnham; however Matt Johnson pulled though from 3rd and then extended his lead over the course of the next 5 laps to take the gun in the hour long race. Finlay managed to psyche out Marina and Fergus by announcing every gust he caught downwind on lap 6, much to the amusement of the rescue boats, and he snatched 2nd spot from Marina and younger brother Fergus who finished 3rd and 4th. Rebecca Patience took a deserved 6th just behind Finlay.

After a good lunch, the fleet set out again as the wind veered and dropped a little, causing some adjustment of the course. After the start of race 3 the left side of the beat looked favoured; however a big shift gave the advantage to those on the right. Cameron Jones took advantage of this, followed by the consistent Matt Johnson. At the start of the second lap, Matt J and Evee Allen caught Cameron, who then was hit by a huge gust and sadly capsized. Matt Rivers sailed through and the first 3 pulled out a big lead on the rest of the fleet, who were enjoying some very close tactical racing.

As the wind veered still further and dropped to a very shifty force 2-3 first place was secure, but 2nd to 6th were closely contended. Josh Gosling was first at the windward mark, followed by Michael Rivers and Marina. These three swapped the lead throughout the first lap, Marina coming out ahead with a slim lead, which she was able to extend massively by the end of the race and take the gun. Finlay found a good shift to pull into 2nd place on lap 3 followed by brother Fergus and Matt Johnson. Positions chopped and changed in the rest of the fleet as the shifts played a major part in the race.

At the prize giving, thanks were given to Race Officer John Howell; Galley helpers; Rescue Officer Tom; Duty Committee member Cliff Taylor; Assistant Rescue Bill Brassington and back of the fleet coach, Jasper Barnham. Fred of DB Boat Bits was also thanked for help with the provision of the prizes. Matt Johnson thanked all the competitors, parents and Dad, Chris, for organising the event.

Results

Pictures
Click thumbnails to view full images