Well it was a challenge…
For those those that chose to show their mettle on a day when keel boats would be hauled hard ashore, it truly favoured the brave…
Points count and there were podium places to be gained up the topper challenge ladder simply by staring down the F6 onslaught.
“What wind?” said Kev….
Flight 1 was a tight mix of the tough & burly and the elfin characters onboard their craft. Bang went “what gun?” said Kev as he thundered over the start ripping away at a good clean 12 knots, spray awash as Graham sheeted in hard, hot in pursuit.
Kamila, sensibly reefed, took after them, undaunted by the gybe mark ahead…
Kev tricked his way around with a finger to the gods, one hand on heart, whilst Graham humming and eyeing, & with best intent rounded hard only to be laid flat by a sucker punch. Kamila made haste and overtook.
There was never a possibility of catching our one time Olympian, genius of Crosby lake, Kev, but a battle ensued that was incredible to watch. Kamila gritted her teeth, Graham chased, forced errors, misdemeanours & chivalry were abound as each held their ground.
The finish line was oh so close & Kamila could almost touch it until the power of a fetching, unreefed main gave the big man his due and with a breath to go Graham powered over the line ahead.
Such a sight and we thank you all… brilliant!
2nd flight…. Nothing to see here, bye!
I jest, Andrea nailed it & left me hooked on the start line buoy, to take a cool 4th place and an honours with her curry too…
Race officer Simon & crew, Glen with constant smiles although wet were just the best…
Sonia & Carol where the epitome of doing your duty… never has so much been asked of our volunteers! With a grin after engine failure “ in a split second of thinking “ out the hole, round the tree & back down the hole” my tidy bowline lasso’d the rock” marvellous, no panic just absolutely top drawer! And they too carried on regardless….
Hot soup & rolls & hugs at the Volley and all was well!
Guys you are truly amazing!
Results:
1st: Kev Fawcett
2nd: Graham Hardyman
3rd: Kamila Walicka
4th: Andrea Phillips
5th: Jan Anderton
Written by Jan Anderton (Dinghy Captain)
The final round of the Topper Challenge 2022 is the 22nd October.
