ITCA London and South East Topper Traveller Autumn Series 2022 at Medway Yacht Club

The latest event in the Autumn series was held at Medway Yacht Club on Sunday 4th September.

The wind settled in with around 8 to 14 knots, with some large gusts funnelling down the river estuary. The tide proved challenging, ebbing in the morning and in the afternoon flooding. This caused interesting conditions for the sailors, meaning the sailors had to stick to the far sides of the river whilst avoid the yachts and other motor craft.

Race 1 was into the tide, and several sailors headed for the right hand river bank whilst another group heading left. Izzy Johnstone and Rory Clow got to the windward mark first with the left hand group being disadvantaged. At the bottom mark most followed up the left bank. Leo Yates had a powerful windward leg, going from 8th to 3rd, chasing down Izzy and Rory. On the final beat Leo played the shifts well and got into first to win the race followed by Izzy 2nd and Rory 3rd.

Toppers at Medway - photo © Dave Symons

In race 2 the fleet was led off the line by Leo, closely followed by Isla Todd and Seb Robb. Leo got to the windward mark first and headed downwind, slowly accelering away from the chasing pack to win. Izzy was in a battle again with Rory, but managed to keep him behind to come second, with Rory taking another 3rd.

The third race was just as close but once again Leo led at the first windward mark, closely followed by Izzy and Rory, and the race finished in that order.

The final race saw some changes as the wind dropped and the tide reversed flow. Izzy lead at the windward mark followed by Seb Robb, Isla Todd and Will Brown, with Leo in 5th. Leo slowly moved up the field and Rory, having a poor beat, slipped back. Seb had a fantastic run to overtake Izzy, but coming up to the last mark capsized, letting Izzy thorough to win the race, followed closely by Isla Todd. Leo and Will had a fantastic battle to the finish line with Leo just taking 3rd by 1 second.

Toppers at Medway - photo © Dave Symons

Congratulations to the event winner Leo Yates with 3 first places a 3rd place (discarded). Izzy Johnstone came in 2nd and Rory Clow 3rd.

In the 4.2 fleet there were just three sailors, but a great battle ensued between Callum Harris and Toby Lay. Both kids won two races but Callum managed to achieved two second places to win the event.

Toppers at Medway - photo © Dave Symons

A huge thank you goes to our host Medway Yacht Club for organising a brilliant event and setting four amazing races. We look forward to returning very soon.

Overall Results: