Topper Open at Broxbourne Sailing Club

Toppers at Broxbourne © Bob Aldous-Horne

Toppers at Broxbourne © Bob Aldous-Horne

Three bullets for Richard Bettles!

Twenty eight Topper sailors attended the Broxbourne Sailing Club Open on Saturday 12th May – seven more amazing youth sailors than 2011!

Wind was a steady 12knts but forecasted to drop later in the day. The Race Officer, Simon Hayes, reliably informed the competitors that the “sea breeze” would kick in the afternoon…

Race 1 was an epic battle between four sailors – Richard Bettles, Phoebe Connellan, Joseph Mullan and George Hunter. Phoebe led from the start until the second lap when the starboard side of the beat paid off for Richard to take the lead. An amazing finish with all four boats crossing the finish line within seconds of each other – a grand stand finish for all the spectators in front of the new clubhouse and lawn! Richard collected his first bullet with Joseph and Phoebe clinching second and third respectively.

After a sumptuous ‘Bev” lunch and probably too much chocolate – adrenalin was pumping so the inevitable general recall was flagged at the start of Race 2. On the second start, Richard sped off the start line and showed a clean pair of heels leading by over a leg from second place George Hunter – even taking time out to give advice to some of the BSC novices down the broad reach. Second bullet for Bettles, with Hunter coming in second and Connellan third.

Was Richard Bettles settling for two bullets? We think the photo shows his determination for the ultimate hat-trick – grrrrrr! “Race face” on and off he went exchanging first and second with Phoebe throughout the Race 3. Eventually, he passed her to round up a convincing victory with Phoebe securing second overall and Joseph Mullan bringing home third place.

Congratulations to all the competitors who joined in a fantastic day’s racing with twelve BSC Toppers joining in with the fun too. Richard Bettles picked up all the silverware including Best Broxbourne Sailor. Thank you to all the amazing volunteers and parents that made it a very special day.

Special mention for our sponsor for the Open – Virtual Rigger for organising the grand raffle (including a new Topper Sail, buoyancy aids and loads of clothing) kindly donated by Topper Sailboats, Gul, Neil Pryde and VR. The Paps (everyone on the committee boat and spectators) also picked up a few interesting moments when the sponsor managed to break the dory and had to have a Topper (Harry Janes – VR Gul Race Team) tow him into port…

Overall Results: