Topper SE Travellers at Newhaven & Seaford Sailing Club

Toppers beating across from Seaford Head during the South East Travellers event © Howard Minto

22 experienced helms from 9 clubs enjoyed brilliant conditions at Seaford Beach.

The wind shifted as forecast from offshore to onshore just before the first race, delivering easy launching and a flat sea with slack tide and a wind gradually building from 10 to 16 knots. Darren Field from the hosting club won the first race, closely followed by last year’s winner Felix Crowther from Queen Mary. Early leaders Clive Jackson (Papercourt) and Jonty Freeman (NSSC) conducted a private duel leaving them with 3rd and 4th respectively.

Races two and three saw Jonty and Felix holding off the pack to take two firsts and two seconds respectively, with Louis Knevett (NSSC), Niall Houston (Hayling Island), Alex Geal (Pevensey Bay), and Dan Archer (Bewl Valley) pushing the leaders hard. It was a tired fleet that went back to the beach for lunch.

After an hour in the sun watching the surf build, only 15 boats launched to enjoy fantastic conditions with a consistent 16 knot wind and a long swell.

Stamina and fitness played a large part in the final 3 lap race and at the final gun Jonty Freeman (NSSC) had consolidated his earlier wins with another first.

Prizes:

1st Jonty Freeman (NSSC) 3pts
2nd Felix Crowther (Queen Mary) 6pts
3rd Louis Knevett (NSSC) 10pts
RO Prize, most cheerful sailor, Katie Wood (Weirwood)
RO Prize, most helpful sailor, Darren Field (NSSC)

Overall Results: