Scottish Toppers at Annandale Sailing Club, Castle Loch

Scottish Toppers at Annandale © Stephen Hinton Smith

On the 16th and 17th of April, Annandale Sailing Club hosted the third Topper Traveller of the 2021/2022 Series at Castle Loch.

21 Toppers took part, with 15 boats racing in the main fleet and 6 competing in the regatta fleet. We had 6 races over the weekend in very shifty conditions, racing around fixed buoys across the loch. Early Saturday morning the sailors arrived to see very little wind on the loch but just enough to go sailing. We had 3 challenging races out on the water, with the race course changing after every race. With Ben Homer winning the first two races but losing the streak 'on the third race, coming first after first day with Finley Briggs in second and Thomas Looseley close behind in third.

On the second day, Castle Loch was a mirror with no wind. So, the postponement flag went up but not for long, as the wind slowly filled. So, we all rushed out and got three good races as the wind slowly picked up to a good wind for the last race. With the final top three being, Ben Homer, then Thomas Looseley and Ruairi Herrington.

The regatta fleet had a great two days out on the water, with amazing coaching from Jennifer Wesley who gave lots of useful tips and pointers to the less experienced racers. Thanks to the RYA Scotland for funding this. After 7 close races, Sam Milroy in first, Breagha Johnstone in second and Katherina Serranto.

Thanks to the Sylvia and the volunteers in the kitchen for making delicious food as well as to the race officers for getting lots of amazing races in those challenging conditions. Thanks to Annandale Sailing Club for supplying the prizes and for there hospitality and hard work putting on a fantastic weekend of sailing.

Overall Results:

Main Fleet

Regatta Fleet