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Topper Challenge 2022 – Round 2

Round 2 of this year’s Topper Challenge took place on 3rd September at Crosby Marine Lake. With some of the first round’s highest ranking finishers not present, the field was open and all to play for.

A southerly breeze started around 10 knots and built throughout the day, creating some excitement in the final stages.

Race control was established on the beach on the far side of the marine lake, after the ferrying of people and supplies by the safety boats. A “camp kitchen” was quickly erected supplying competitors and spectators with hot drinks, hot food and an abundance of snacks throughout the day.

10 competitors were split into two flights, being set a two lap windward/leeward course by the day’s Race Officer and LYC Commodore, Paul Hampson, for qualification. Controversy came early in the first flight, with competitors struggling to remember the correct course, a broken mast, and illegal outside assistance; all of which was quickly smoothed over by the RO. The second flight of sailors managed a much less incidental race and confirmed ranking for the small and big final.

The small final was first, deciding positions 6-10, with the competitors again being set two laps of a windward/leeward course. Matty Riley looked like he had the win, until a wayward gybe put him in the drink. He was able to quickly recover, but not before Jan Anderson got past and kept the lead on the final downwind leg. Nicola Murphy also hit trouble in the form of a hidden mooring, a nasty (and wet) surprise.

The big final started as the winds built to a crescendo, with sailors being sent on an extended windward leeward course. There was plenty of jostling on the start line for space but they managed a clean start. Kev Fawcett, defending his position at the top of leader board following round 1, was the first around the windward mark and kept hold of his position from then on, making it two wins from two. Richard Sharp was hot on his stern throughout, finishing in 2nd place, followed by Martin McKettrick in 3rd place.

After racing it was a trip to the Volunteer Arms for results to be announced and celebratory drinks.

The day had a wonderful atmosphere and a huge thank you to all LYC members who helped run the racing, safety boats and provide refreshments.

There are still two rounds left- so it’s not too late to enter and get involved!

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