A fresh, blustery north-westerly with occasional squalls gave challenging conditions for the 14 entries for Wilsonian Sailing Club’s annual Topper and Laser Radial Open Meeting on 7 May.

However, the three races, two to count, were successfully completed and the seven visitors, who handled the conditions well, walked off with all the prizes. A short lapping course was set and Ben Palmer after a fine start led the seven Toppers with Oscar McVeigh in hot pursuit. McVeigh took advantage of a swim by Palmer on the second leg and held the lead for line honours. Meanwhile, Alison Baldwin and Bethany Wellerd battled it out for third and fourth respectively with the rest of the fleet failing to finish.

It was two back-to-back races after lunch and in race two Palmer had to come from behind to win with McVeigh second and Wellerd third. In the deciding race Palmer led over three rounds to make certain of a well-deserved victory. McVeigh settled for runners-up spot while a second place ensured third prize for Wellerd.

Just Joseph Wellerd and Katherine Sampson contested the Laser Radial event as Jo Wicken, from the host club, suffered gear failure and the others gave up the struggle after numerous dips. In race one Sampson led the way for the first three rounds with Wellerd shadowing close behind and then eased ahead on the final round to win. Wellerd held off the challenge from Sampson in the next two races for an outstanding victory.

Overall Results

Toppers

1st 44584 Ben Palmer (Island Barn SC) 2pts

2nd 44349 Oscar McVeigh (Wimbledon Park SC) 3pts

3rd 44690 Bethany Wellerd (Crawley Mariners SC) 5pts

4th 45266 Alison Baldwin (Island Barn SC) 7pts

5th 44869 Jordon Taylor (Newhaven & Seaford SC) 14pts

Laser Radials

1st 174628 Joseph Wellerd (Crawley Mariners SC) 2pts

2nd 178201 Katherine Sampson (Medway YC) 4pts

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