Tim Takes The Toppo Trophy

Lively conditions faced the competitors at Gunfleet Sailing Club on Sunday 1 September 2024 when they took part in the race for the Toppo Single Handed Trophy.

A force 4 to 5 north-easterly wind, coupled with a flood tide, presented some quite lively seas as the sailors launched from the beach.  John Heath was the first to retire when his tiller extension separated from the rudder, and Simon Kedge thought better of it , realising that sailing single-handed in a two person GP14 was probably a little ambitious.  With wind over tide, the fleet all started on starboard tack, Ken Potts standing out by the Outer Distance Mark in his Laser and leading the dinghies towards the beach.  However, Andy Dunnett in his Laser had the better of him by starting further down the line and suffering less of the negative effect of the tide, whilst Brian Allen, in his RS Aero was halfway between the two.  John Tappenden was slightly to windward of Potts, in his RS Aero, and slightly outpointing his rival; meanwhile, just behind were Tim Dye and Derroll Pedder, both in RS Aeros.  It was clear that the battle was on as the helms worked hard to complete the first leg to the Kingscliff buoy, and it was questionable whether Potts or Dunnett would reach it first.  The second leg was a broad reach out to the Seaward mark before a lively gybe and a closer reach into the AWS buoy.  By the time the fleet reached AWS, it was Potts leading, Dye in second place and Dunnett third.  There followed a beat to the Preston Park buoy before a run to Lilley Farm, short reach to Eastcliff, and then another beat back to the line.  Paul Jackson found conditions just a bit much and retired his Laser back to the beach.  At the end of the first lap it was still Potts leading, with Dye second and Dunnett third; the three being followed by Tappenden, Allen, and Pedder.  After that came Adam Kedge in his Laser, having held many other boats at bay, including Yvonne Gough in her Laser.  During the second lap, Dye managed to slip ahead of Potts, whilst Dunnett just refused to let go of Potts.  Dave Ingle, in his RS Aero, was just behind Allen, and holding the Laser of Paul Stanton at bay, when he capsized on the beat back to the line and decided discretion was the better part of valour and retired.  On the third, and final, lap, the tide was just turning and Potts decided to head out to sea in the hope of gaining a lift, but Dye stuck to his close-shore tactics and opened the gap still further, romping round and claiming a strong victory; Adam Kedge winning the Cadet Single Helm in his Laser.  

Toppo Single Helm:
1.    RS Aero – Tim Dye
2.    Laser – Andy Dunnett
3.    RS Aero – John Tappenden
Cadet Single Helm:  Laser – Adam Kedge