ESSC Topper Open 2009 - Posted on June 7th 2009

51 boats made the trip to Emsworth Slipper SC for the Topper Open, the highest entry yet this year in the Southern Traveller series. With a mixed forecast, race officer Dave Cockerill’s aim to fit in 6 races might have seemed ambitious but was achieved thanks to slick race management, fine sportsmanship and skillful sailing from the competitors. It was great to see local juniors and less experienced squad racers taking on seasoned pros, with entries from all 6 Topper squads making this an extremely competitive fleet. The stakes were raised further with a late entry from Emsworth sailor and National Intermediate Squad coach Adam Cockerill. Close racing followed in variable breezes with a strong tidal influence affecting the Sweare Deep racing area. Adam showed his experience on a crowded start line by winning the first race but was shown the way home in race 2 by Tobias Hamer. Dan Druce and Alex Benbow put up a strong challenge in race 3 but Adam found a way through to win his second race. Giles Kuzyk won the fourth race and Karen Thomas put in a strong finish by winning the last two races. Slipper would like to thank event sponsors Harbour Chandlers, Sailing Solutions and Raymarine for the generous prizes and look forward to welcoming the class again next year. 1st - Adam Cockerill 2nd - Freddie Smithers 3rd - Alex Benbow 4th - Dan Druce 5th - Karen Thomas 6th - Giles Kuzyk 7th - Alex Mothersele 8th - Sam Barker Ellie King (ESSC) succeeded in coming 12th overall, and 3rd girl. Well done Ellie! Well done to all sailors. It was a fantastic day out on the water. Congratulations! Full results can be found at http://www.sailracer.co.uk/results_report.asp?event=6450&usr=804336933