GJW Direct Topper Inland Championship (NS3) at Grafham Water Sailing Club

Close racing upwind during the ITCA Topper Inlands at Grafham © Alastair Walton

Grafham Water Sailing Club was the venue and after a long wait to be competing in a National event again it was a bumper turnout with over 100 boats pre-entered.

The forecast was looking light with a big change in direction on the Saturday night so it was a huge relief to all the sailors that they arrived to sunshine and more importantly a gentle breeze.

Registration done, boats rigged and Martin Copper ITCA GBR class chair led the sailors briefing thanking GJW direct, Harken, Rooster and Optimum time for their support of the class and the Inland Championship.

It was really great to also have the continued support of Russ Dent (Topper Sailboats) on hand all weekend providing boat maintenance, spares support and technical guidance.

Fleet about to launch during the ITCA Topper Inlands at Grafham - photo © ITCA GBR

The fleets launched on time with 86 boats heading to the 5.3 course and 20 4.2s following shortly after to a course closer to the launch area. The 5.3 were not flighted so it was to be a big start line.

Race 1 was off quickly and in light and shifty airs Joe Rowe from Draycote Academy took an early lead on lap one, the second beat was tricky and Merryn Attridge from Swarkstone SC sailed a great 2nd beat to take the lead and R1 win.

The wind was proving to be very shifty and after a quick reset of the course Race officer Nigel Dench got race 2 away, Seb Davies from Warsash took the lead on the 2nd beat and held to take the race 2 win.

Race 3 saw a slight increase in the wind and Joe Rowe took an early lead which extended to take a clear win. End of day one for the 5.3 fleet, 3 different race winners but some consistency in results were now showing in the overall results.

The 4.2 fleet with a different schedule had managed four races, Race officer Adam Millington turning around quick races with some tight racing, Holly Norton from Parkstone YC was sailing well and would go in to day two leading the fleet after winning 2 races on day 1.

Lily Browning from Island Barn was in first place overnight for the 5.3 fleet with Joe Rowe of Draycote in 2nd with Clem Middle of Draycote in 3rd place.

Day 2

A new wind direction as forecast but again a relief to feel a light breeze, both fleets launch on D flag on time and headed to the race courses.

The 5.3 we're away and early in the race a big left shift saw the pin end starters tacking and fetching the mark, overnight front runners had been on the right and were now battling to rescue a result, Emily Brushett of Warsash was out in front with a good lead and not going to be caught so took the R4 race win, Seb Davis of Warsash was 2nd which was a great result for his overall score following his R2 win on Saturday. Race 5 started 2nd attempt after a general recall and it was Merryn Attridge of Swarkstone sailing club back in the lead after a race win and UFD on day one, Ellie Thwaites of Snowflake's took an excellent 2nd place and Joe Rowe of Draycote Academy banking a 3rd place.

Race 6 was going to decide the event, the wind was still gusty and shifty so it was really important to make the right decisions up the beat, Leo Yates of Island Barn sailed a text book beat to lead around the top mark, followed closely by Jessica Powell and Joe Rowe of Draycote Academy, down the run and Leo chose the right hand gate, Joe in 3rd place made an early Decision to go left hand gate so Jess in 2nd place needed to make her decision, she lead Joe around the left gate. The 2nd beat paid on the right for Jess and Joe and they had a small lead on Jasper Bramwell of Hollingworth Lake around the top mark for the final time, down the run the battle was on with the front 3 all level, Joe was looking back maybe for the gusts or to see where Lilly Browning was as this would be key. Jasper found the best breeze and led around the gate and on to take the win, Jessica held on to 2nd place and Joe banked a 3rd.

A nervous wait on shore for the results to be finalised with a scoring requested submitted and protests to be heard but the final outcome Joe Rowe was to take the event win with Lilly Browning in 2nd and Alex Jones of Parkstone yacht club in 3rd.

ITCA Topper Inlands at Grafham - Joe Rowe - 5.3 and Event Winner - photo © Gavin Fleming

The 4.2 fleet again enjoyed four races to complete the planned 8 races with Jacob Davies and Thomas Semmens having a great day, leaving Jacob taking the event win.

ITCA Topper Inlands at Grafham - Jacob Davies - 4.2 Winner - photo © Gavin Fleming

We would like to thank Grafham Water Sailing Club for hosting the event and our sponsors GJW Direct, Harken, Rooster and Optimum time. We look forward to NS4 at Marconi Sailing Club in May.

Overall Results:

5.3 Fleet

4.2 Fleet