Topper the lot

Frank Cassidy 1538 - 1538 • Published 12 Jul 2007 10:39

.For the second year, McArthur Stanton solicitors provided support to the event through a generous prize list, including a new winner"s trophy.

Once afloat, the fleet assembled off Helensburgh pier where David Wilson and his race management team set separate courses for the Topper and Optimist classes, split into Main and Regatta divisions according to age and experience.

Three exciting races were completed that day for the majority of the fleet but some of the younger sailors were wisely sent ashore early.

A 25 knot squall was passing although this let Linda Pender and her safety team demonstrate their readiness for such an occasion.

In the evening the youngsters worked off a surprising amount of excess energy on a free Gladiator challenge game, queuing up in a constant stream for two hours to knock each other off the inflatable pedestals after refuelling at the pasta kitchen and barbecue.

Shore side sustenance and entertainment was organised by Morag Jeffries and Katy Findlay with a host of willing helpers, while Neill Ross provided a digital display of action photographs, which can be viewed on the RNCYC website.

Sunday dawned dry and bright, and much warmer, and again a full three race programme was possible to give a six race series and a chance to demonstrate consistency as well as individual race winning results.

The Regatta also saw the first appearance of a number of new crew pairings in the two-handed 420 class which was given an additional start on the Topper course to encourage this move by several well known and successful local sailors, graduating from the Optimist fleet.

On dry land, the competitors were treated to choc ices and pasta before an open-air prize-giving in glorious sunshine when Anne Stanley-White of McArthur Stanton presented a superb range of awards.

Overall prize for best performance and the McArthur Stanton Trophy went to local Topper sailor, Moray Clark, who took top spot in the Main Fleet with a score of 11 including two firsts and two seconds.

Best performance from the sailor of opposite gender went to Amy Buchan also sailing in the Topper fleet with third overall.

Principal placings were - Topper Main Fleet: 1.Moray Clark (RNCYC/HSC), 2.Lorenzo Chiavarini (Tarbert LFSC), 3.Amy Buchan (CCC), 4.Lynne Crichton (CCC), 5.Anna Gorzkowska (L Venachar SC).

Topper Development Fleet: 1.Jennifer Abraham (HSC), 2.Sarah Jeffrey (HSC), 3.Lynne McPherson (HSC).

Optimist Main Fleet: 1.Calum Airlie (St Mary"s Loch SC), 2.Ross Stanley-White (RNCYC/ HSC), 3.Andrew McGowan (CCC).

Optimist Regatta: 1.Alistair Gray (HSC), 2.Erin Kemsley (CCC), 3.Alasdair Gibson (CCC).

International 420 Fleet: 1.Peter Irwin / David Kohler (Linlithgow Loch SC), 2.Anna Burnet / Shona Ross (RNCYC / Loch Morlich SC), 3.Robert Gibson / Dean Gillespie (CCC).

Organisers thank everyone who attended and to the large number of helpers from both clubs, without whom such events are impossible and they look forward to seeing everyone in June 2008.

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This article appeared in Helensburgh Advertiser 12 Jul 07

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