Topper day - a great success!

The third annual topper relay race was run by our very own Topper top marksman, Fred Lynds, on the 3rd June. The event was a roaring success. 19 well honed sailors, (well a few were) made up of 6 teams of 3 (with one team of 4) - each consisting of a dinghy sailor (having some idea), cat sailor (having no idea) and a novice (expecting the others to have some idea). These teams were pitted against each across a short inshore course where each sailor had to sail one lap, bring the boat ashore (grounded) with the next team member taking over. The race was started Le Mans style with each team picking their fittest (or fastest) sailor to leg it down the shingle to the waiting Topper. Boats were set sail and there ensued much merriment  as regular dinghy sailors took the event in their stride, cat sailors kept looking for the second (stability) hull and novices just went for it. The race was run over two hours and managed fantastically well by Fred with around 90 change overs - during which time many friendships were made and lost in the heat of the battle (fickle us sailors). The oustanding team were led by Sylvia Gregson stoutly supported by Mike Coleman and Tanya  Latham (Tanyas first win - go girl!) - with special mentions going to Tim Blades (fastest lap - surely he missed a mark?), Alfie Standen (most improved helm - his first race - will he be back we all ask?), Sammy Black (most spectacular changeover) and Jonathan Sundin (top capsize). Prizes were awarded by Fred to all who entered and the winners were toasted in the bar afterwards with many tales of what might have been.....