Please select your home edition
Edition
Rooster 2025

Rooster South East Topper Traveller at Docklands Sailing & Watersports Centre

by John Middleton 10 May 2018 11:42 PDT 5 May 2018
Rooster South East Topper Traveller at Docklands © Katie Wilkinson

On a hot sun-filled day, with moderate winds of 5-8 knots (gusting up to 10-12 knots) 22 young sailors took to Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre to compete in the coveted Topper South East Open Series round 4. With thirteen different club/centres being represented from the south east, an array of talented sailors was on display for all to see.

With the wind blowing easterly down the dock, a trapezoid course was laid to spread out the competitive fleet. Docklands, notorious for its wind shifts would provide the perfect platform to stretch the mental faculties of the fleet and prove a challenge even for the most accomplished sailors.

The day started with the morning brief by RO John Middleton, comprising of four back-to-back races and an emphasis on fair play, protests and fun. With the first whistle at 11.15 am, a nervous fleet took to the course sizing up the start line and working on their starts. Aaron Evans first to launch, worked out the slight port bias of the line, and nailed the start on go. After have a cracking first beat, Aaron was almost a leg ahead most of the fleet as he won the first race, he was surely the man to beat on the day. Leo Wilkinson and Bill Hudson followed in second and third.

A more assured fleet started well in the second race, with more boats pushing towards the edge of the start line. A clean start saw Leo Wilkinson, Bill Hudson and Aaron Evans lead the fleet early on in the beat. Rounding the windward mark all 3 were battling it out for the lead. With Leo leading he wasn't going to give up the lead easily. Tactical covering up the following beats gave Leo the win followed by Bill, then Aaron.

With the top three all on level points, the third race now had a lot riding on it. As the day went on the breeze started to hot up and boat handling skills were put to the test. A couple of capsizes and close calls prior to the start had everyone on their toes. Most of the fleet were a lot more assertive now, knowing that the final two races had a lot riding on them. Another clean start with some of the boats on the line at go had some fresh faces at the top end of the fleet. Thomas Starks, of DSWC took the windward mark with an assured beat. Right behind him were the table toppers Aaron, Leo and Bill. As the laps progress Arron with some good guest management took home first with Leo second and Bill third.

The final race was now going to decide who would win the regatta. With one discard, all three boys had to be on their 'A game'. Most of the front row was pushing the boundaries of the start line. On go, the individual recall flag was raised with two boats over. One boat returned, however the other continued... Lawrence Donnelly with a cracking start and a powerful first beat controlled the race throughout, with Bill, Aaron and Leo chasing. As Lawrence passed the line it was with regret that he was OCS on the whistle, not taking away however the cracking race he had. Bill got his first win of the day with Aaron second and Leo third.

With one amicable protest hearing and many happy faces, all were waiting for the end of day prize giving. A strongly contested Topper Open series win went to Aaron Evans of SWSC, second place to Leo Wilkinson of MSC and third to Bill Hudson of NSSC. All three are ones to watch for the future. DSWC club winner was Thomas Starks who had a strong fifth place in the third race. Female winner was Heloise Shadbolt of WSC, who had fifth in the second and fourth race. And finally, the highest non-squad winner was Miles Vidler who had two strong sixth places finishes.

A big thank you goes out to Rooster Sailing who sponsored the event and Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre for hosting.

Related Articles

Topper North East Championship at Sheffield Viking
The first open event at the club for 12 years Recent history will show that Sheffield Viking have not held any open events for the last 12 years and so it was an absolute pleasure to welcome 20 Toppers for the NE Area Championships on the 31st May. Posted on 6 Jun
Still all to play for in the NEYYSA Series
Off to Pennine SC this weekend Sailors are gearing up for the next round of the North East & Yorkshire Youth Travellers Series which resumes at Pennine Sailing Club on Saturday 7 June after a short siesta over the half term period. Posted on 6 Jun
Topper Inland Championships at Derwent
The weather was on point with the wind picking on time like it was forecast Back again at a lovely Derwent reservoir for NS3. The weather was on point with the winds picking on time like it was forecasted. The race course was set for the 4.2 on the inner loop and the 5.3 on the outer loop. Posted on 6 Jun
Topper Coastal Championships at Plas Heli
Pwllheli is a great sailing venue but 97 sailors didn't see the best side of it With 79 sailors entered in the 5.3 rig it called for flights and ensured some good racing in some tricky conditions. Posted on 4 Jun
Bosham Sailing Club Junior Regatta
A gob-smacking 90+ entries tak part A gob-smacking 90+ entries for the Bosham SC Junior Regatta, aligned with a late high tide and a wedding marquee on the meadow normally used for rigging and de-rigging created a unique challenge to celebrate its newly acquired RYA Pathway Club status. Posted on 3 Jun
Starcross YC's George Eaton Junior Shield
Awarded to the sailor who has shown the greatest achievements outside of the club Awarded to the sailor who has shown the greatest achievements outside of the club, the George Eaton Junior shield has this year been awarded to Amelie Ballantyne. Posted on 25 May
Get your Early Bird Abersoch Dinghy Week entry in
This ever popular family week is open to all dinghy classes and fleets Entries are now over 60 boats registered, so thanks to all of you who have entered so far, but if you want to save a few bucks please enter before the early bird rate comes to an end on the 1st June. Posted on 24 May
Entries open for Parkstone Youth Week
Different from most sailing regattas - and now with a Roman Empire theme There will a Gladitorial display of sailing and fun off the water activities, encompassing the spirit of Ancient Rome, starting in just 12 weeks' time. So, as Caesar raises his thumb it is time for you to sign up to the highlight of the Roman calendar. Posted on 23 May
Topper Traveller Series at Parkstone
It was great to see a fleet of twenty 5.3s and six 4.2s out on the water On Sunday 11th May the third Traveller took place at Parkstone Yacht Club. It was great to see a fleet of twenty 5.3s and six 4.2s out on the water. The wind was about a force 4 - a nice breeze - and a bit shifty and gusty. Posted on 21 May
ROTTERs return at Ripon
25 sailors under 14 enjoy MarioKart sailing and other fun activities Following a successful Discover Sailing day on the 5th May Ripon Sailing Club's ROTTERs met at the club on 10th May for their next planned session and were joined by lots of new members, with 25 sailors between the ages of 4 and 14. Posted on 16 May
Rooster 2025