We were very pleased with the turnout, 24 in total, with a good number of visitors, on a day which unfortunately clashed with the ETs at Rutland, so we were down 8 potential Toppers from the eastern region.

The weather was not as kind as it could have been which also may have adversely influenced the turnout. The wind however was fair, with an average force 3, but with some challenging squally gusts in the frequent rain showers and it was generally very cold.

We held our 3 back to back races in the River Roach, just off the Crouch, which gave a near perfect windward beat into the NNE wind. Even with the ebb tide being on neaps, this was still quite challenging to some, particularly on the cross tide legs and also with the fair tide starts, pushing them over the line. As the results show, this Open was very closely fought for the first 5 places, with only 1 point separating the first 3 boats, who battled to the very end with all three crossing the last race finishing line almost together. Well done to James Wilson who secured the resulting first place from Robbie Hooper and George Meredith. Youngest competitor was 10 year old Izzie Stylianides, who seemed to spend much of her day swimming, even though she was using her smaller 4.2 sail rig.

A welcome lunch pack, prepared by the Club as part of the entry fee, was distributed to all the competitors on the water by the ribs between races 2 and 3. We had a very well attended prize giving, with lots of prizes on offer, including several spot prizes, all from our generous sponsors for the day of Musto, Skee-Tex and Allen Bros. The Club also ran a Courtyard BBQ to provide additional after racing hot food for the afternoon.

Overall, I was very pleased with the day and particularly thank Adrian Lower, for all his efforts as this year’s event co-ordinator and Rupert Brown as the PRO, in making this years Topper Open such a success.

Peter Hooper