ITCA GBR Topper NS1 event at Carsington Sailing Club

ITCA GBR Topper NS1 event at Carsington © Chris Fenton

Carsington was our closest NS event this series, only 4 hours away! When we got there we ran out of gas and then the hot water boiler wouldn't work in our motorhome so things hadn't started well.

On Saturday the wind was ideal for race 1 but then dropped away gradually throughout the day. The start line was well organized and spread out, the gun went, then the individual recall followed. Six sailors who were over didn't think they were (including me!).

The race went on and Alex Stainton took the lead which he held, followed by Rohan O'Kane in second, Toby Turner was third over the line (OCS) with William Clarke taking third place.

On race 2 the start went without any recalls, Toby Turner took a good lead and held to take the win followed by Rohan O'Kane in second and William Sadler third.

The wind had now dropped and was shifting. The PRO had more patience than the sailors and held us all on course for what seemed like hours, we started to get cold but then the horn went and we gave a cheer.

Race 3 was led by Toby T with a dominating lead by a complete run of 4 minutes to take the win, followed by Sophie Venning second and Sam Mason third.

Saturday night was celebrated in the club house with three birthdays and lots of cake!

ITCA GBR Topper NS1 event at Carsington - photo © Chris Fenton

The forecast for Sunday was much better, although much much colder. Everyone was fully layered up especially after getting cold on Saturday during the wait.

Race 1 started with a lead from Toby to the windward mark, closely followed by Tristan Shaw, who had overtaken and gained the lead by the leeward gate which he held onto, to take the win, followed by Phileas Rousselle in second and a close battle for third on mark 5 won by Toby over Alex Stainton.

The wind had now increased and lessons were learnt from the wind shadow at mark 1. Race 2 saw Toby taking and holding a good lead, followed by Victory Montgomery to finish in second and Phileas Rousselle in third.

The wind continued to increase for the final race of the weekend. Sam Mason took the lead and won the race, followed by Harry Dence in second and Oscar Rowe in third.

The overall results were Toby Turner in third place, Sam Mason in second place and Tristan Shaw the overall winner for the weekend. Congratulations to all for brilliant competition throughout the weekend.

Carsington SC is a lovely club. The people there were great, really friendly and helpful. It is easy to launch with tons of room for trolleys and kit. Thank you Carsington SC for having us and a huge thank you to everyone at the club, all the volunteers, sponsors and Adam Millington the PRO. Also to Topper Russ for fixing up any broken or leaky boats and supporting us all with spare parts.

Also thank you to all of our parents for making this happen!

ITCA GBR Topper NS1 event at Carsington - photo © Chris Fenton

Overall Results: