Topper Winter Regatta and South East Traveller Round 1 at Island Barn Reservoir Sailing Club

 

No less than 52 Toppers turned up at Island Barn, near Kingston, for the first South East Traveller of the 2024 season. This was a record turnout for this popular Winter Regatta, started 12 years ago.

A dead calm greeted the sailors on arrival, but with a three hour window of wind forecast between midday and 3, early lunch was taken so that 3 back to back races could be packed into that period.

With the Open winner already decided with Jake Davies on two firsts,second place overall could be taken by Sam Mason, Henry Cruse, Evan Hellyer or Harry Dence. Fraser Ferguson,14, from Shoreham spoilt the party by leading from start to finish, with event winner Jake Davies second. Henry Cruse secured second place overall by coming in 3rd, just ahead of Callum Harris, 14, Shoreham and Harry Michell, 15, from Erith. And Fraser Ferguson's brilliant last race win lifted him into third place overall.

The Topper 4.2 Fleet raced with the main Fleet, and the 4.2 prize was won by Tom Brown, 13, from Papercourt with two firsts. Alexander Pemberton, 12, from Datchet was second 4.2 overall, one point behind Brown.

The Regatta Fleet for racing Beginners in Topper 4.2s was one by William Pipe from Waldringfield, and the Regatta Fleet Topper 5.3 prize was won by Dylan Thurgood from Island Barn whose starts were excellent throughout.

The very welcome, three hour, spell of wind converted a potentially quiet day into an exciting 3 race event, with Jake Davies putting in a quality performance to win first place and the Barnstormer Trophy.

Particular thanks were given to the catering team lead by Polly Smith who brought the hot lunches forward by an hour and a half to allow full use of the short period of wind.

Prizewinners:

Main 5.3 Fleet

Ist Jake Davies, Warsash SC

2nd Henry Cruse, Burghfield SC

3rd Fraser Ferguson, Shoreham SC

4th Sam Mason, Silver Wing SC

5th Harry Dence, Island Barn RSC

6th Harry Mitchell, Erith YC

7th Calum Harris, Shoreham SC & IBRSC

8th George Sumner, Island Barn RSC

4.2 Fleet

1st Tom Brown, Papercourt SC

2nd Alexander Pemberton, Datchet Water SC

3rd Isabelle Simpson, Island Barn RSC

6.4 Fleet

Ist Erica Bishop

Regatta 4.2 Fleet

1st William Pipe, Waldringfield SC

2nd Rex Wright, Datchet Water SC

3rd Alfie Tollitt, Shoreham SC

Regatta 4.2 Fleet

1st Dylan Thurgood, Island Barn SC

1st Non Squad

George Sumner Island Barn RSC

1st Under 13

Henry Cruse Burghfield RSC