Race for Toppo Single Helm a Lively Affair

Very mixed weather conditions greeted the members of the Gunfleet Sailing Club last Sunday 12 July when fifteen boats took part in the single-handed race for the Toppo Trophy.  Six of those taking part were Club Cadets or Otters as the first young person home won the Cadet Single helm.  Under a somewhat overcast sky and a stiff westerly wind it was Andy Dunnett in his Laser that got away to a good start on port tack, with half the fleet following him, whilst on the starboard tack it was Simon Clarke who lead the way in his Solution.  Kelvin Morton was the first to capsize in his RS600, on the beat to the Eastcliff buoy, and this turned out to be the first of quite a few for him.  The reach out to the Seaward mark saw India Ford capsize in her Topaz and then, after a successful gybe it was Ben Richardson that capsized his Topper.  With a freshening wind and rolling seas, quite a number of boats went over as they worked their way around the course.  Mark Venables was particularly unlucky when his Solution turtled and the mast got stuck in the clay, but with the assistance of the Club Rescue Boat the craft was righted and retired to the beach.  As the race went on Clarke proved unstoppable and sailed to a convincing victory.  However, in rather lively conditions, it was the Club’s younger members that showed their ever-growing skill at sailing with Matt Downing winning the Cadet Single Helm in his Laser and Bethany Ford a close second in her Topaz.

Results – Toppo Single Helm:

1.    Solution – Simon Clarke
2.    Blaze – John Tappenden
3.    RS600 – Kelvin Morton

The previous Wednesday evening once again saw a very large number of boats on the water with both “After School Sailing” for the Cadets and Otters, and the fifth and final race in the Club’s Summer Series.  With some unexpected shifts in the wind, coupled with a freshly flooding tide, the race kept the fourteen competitors on their toes and positions changed a number of times during the evening.

Results – Summer Series 5:

1.    RS600 – Ken Potts
2.    Blaze – John Tappenden
3.    Solution – Simon Clarke

Summer Series Overall:

1.    Solution – Simon Clarke
2.    RS600 – Ken Potts
3.    Blaze – John Tappenden