Topper Open at Bristol Avon Sailing Club
by Fi lucas 23 Apr 2006 09:30 NZST
22 April 2006
A forecast of warm sunshine and 5 mph winds greeted the 24 sailors arriving for the SW area traveller at Avon, notorious for its fluky winds.
The fleet were split into flights and following a short postponement the days sailing got underway.
Race 1a saw Ali Lucas and Liz Teague away to a good start but the wind filled from behind and Sam Craig and Joe Andrews caught them going on to take 1st and 2nd. Race 1b saw Max Robinson away to a flyer, with Charlie Haslam 2nd and Lynn Billowes 3rd.
In Race 2a Ali and Richard Cumpsty got away well, with Richard taking line honours by half a boat length, with Stu Dando 3rd. In race 2b Lawrence Killham won by a long distance with Matt West 2nd, and Charlie 3rd.
At the start of the final set of races a number of sailors were in with a shout. Race 3a, Matt West was a clear winner with Sam Craig 2nd and Lynn 3rd.Race 3b saw Ali take an early lead, hotly pursued by younger sister Jo, and Tom Francis from Sidmouth was 3rd.
This left a tie, on 3 points between Ali, Matt and Sam, which took careful consultation with the rule book on breaking ties before Ali was declared the overall winner. A very competitive days racing in frustrating conditions.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Sail No | Helm | Club | Pts |
|---|
| 1st | 44141 | Ali Lucas | Avon | 3 |
| 2nd | 44916 | Matt West | Sutton Bingham | 3 |
| 3rd | 44517 | Sam Craig | PYS | 3 |
| 4th | 44682 | Max Robinson | PYS | 5 |
| 5th | 5919 | Charlie Haslam | CVLSC | 5 |