Topper Open at Crawley Mariners Yacht Club

Crawley Mariners Topper Open © Daniela Campbell

Fifteen visitors joined four home boats for the CMYC Topper Open meeting on a sunny but calm morning. The Met Office forecast was for 6mph NNE reducing to 3mph N in the afternoon. Fortunately, we never had a prolonged period of 3mph, and completed the four scheduled races.

Race 1 had a general recall and then an individual recall. Once out in front Edwin Cross held his lead to the finish followed by Bjorn Handley and Kaitlyn Wyatt.

Race 2 start was clean, shortly after the start the wind swung north and the first leg became a fetch. Bjorn was first round the windward mark followed by Megan Thomson and Rhys Griffiths. Bjorn held his lead to the line followed by Edwin Cross and Megan.

In the countdown to Race 3, there was much chatter about having a downwind start, the wind was now westerly! However, with about a minute to go the wind swung back to ENE, an upwind start. Edwin Cross was fast off the line and soon led the pack building up a significant lead which he held to the finish, followed once again by Bjorn Handley and Kaitlyn Wyatt.

Race 4 saw one individual recall. At the end of the first lap, Edwin Cross was leading but there was a very tight large bunch following. Edwin won followed by Bjorn.

This was a really tough day for everyone with big wind direction changes throughout each race. Getting an early lead and clear air paid off.

A special mention for Seb Gatton, who is just moving into Toppers from Optimists, sailing the only 4.2 he surprised some of those around him.

Thanks to Rooster for their assistance with the prizes.

Overall Results: