NW Area Topper Open – 5/6 July

There were 23 entrants for the North West Junior Travellers and 29 for the Topper North West  Area Championships. The first race was held in ‘challenging’ conditions with a brisk southerly wind straight down the lake.

OD Phil Smith set a beat from 1 to 8 through the white horses. One gust annihilated a large part of the fleet at which point our local superhero (and commodore) came to the rescue of a bright pink optimist (or was he really trying to enter the race?). Unfortunately he capsized at the first gybe mark and had to be rescued himself – maybe a flying fifteen next then – surely he can’t capsize one of them?? The first Ruth in the rescue boat knew of this drama was the former owner of said Optimist shouting ‘Turn round the man’s sinking!’.

The Bates helped with the rescuing and achieved the record ‘ how many kids can you fit in it’ – another challenge for Bass week?

After lunch the wind died down and did the usual Bass 360° shifts so the races were much more serene on the rescue front; maybe not for the competitors nerves though. Elsewhere there was some jiggery pokery  going on on the Bates where for some reason all the heavyweights had to hang off the front. Maybe Alan could explain?

In the travellers the final results were Sam Hall first in the Junior fleet Hayden Griffiths first in the Optimist fleet and Tom Neeson first in the Youth fleet. Well done to them all.

The Toppers are back tomorrow after a film show tonight although Elliot Hanson seems to have it all sewn up with three firsts today.

The Bass sailors were away at the Birkett –  apparently Toggle hasn’t needed rescuing this year so far. There’s always tomorrow though………..