Eastern Area Topper Traveller 19 May 2012
Nineteen Toppers arrived for the very first Topper Traveller on May 19th held at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club and home of the Corinthian Otters.
The forecast was for challenging light south westerlies. However, The Endeavour Race team headed by Edwin Buckley & Kim Allen was up early setting a windward leeward course in the mouth of the Roach while the briefing was held on the balcony. Suncream and sun hats provided a welcome change of scene as boats were launched.
Race One started well with 8 knots. However, on lap 3 the wind started to drop rapidly as the tide started to turn. Sailors finished on a shortened course and early honours went to Emily King from Norfolk Broads YC.
Unfortunately, the tide took control of the event at this point and the boats had to be rafted up for an extended lunch on the water.
Entertainment was provided by a wayward seal and a flock of seagulls who pitched up close by, neither were put off by the noise and hullabaloo of some boisterous sailors.
The 5 ribs congregated towards Committee Boat “Phoebe” and dined in lovely sunshine while keeping a lazy eye on the toppers.
The sea breeze came eventually and the course was quickly re set while the toppers were woken from their prolonged siesta. 2 short races were the order with a 3 way battle shaping up between George Hunter from Hammersham SC, Jamie Camman from Ely SC and Emily King.
After a long day and an even longer tow back to the club, prize giving followed with Otter Commodore, Aoife Cahalane, presenting the Prizes.
George Hunter took the honours overall, Emily King in 2nd place overall and Jamie in 3rd. Emily came 1st girl with Otter Olivia Peel coming 2nd.
First Otter home in 8th place was Louis Brand and last but not least Kerensa Newcombe, another Corinthian Otter finishing 1st 4.2 sail.
Congratulations to all competitors, in particular those from the 10 visiting clubs who travelled from far and wide but also the Otters, many of whom were sailing their very first open event.
Lastly, special thanks to our Event Sponsors Waples Wines and the Race Team headed by Edwin & Kim and to all on and off water helpers without whom this event could not have taken place. Thanks for making this a really memorable event and hope to see you all next year!