Parkstone Nationwide

Eleven hours to Poole on Friday and guess what - it rained, and rained and rained. Consolation was that it was so misty in Poole Harbour that we could not even see the 204 Toppers as they headed off to the race course North West of Brownsea Island. Sailing in six to ten feet of water made for "interesting" wave patterns on the race course in the mixed wind conditions of between 10 and 20 mph from the South West. Unsurprisingly the black flag made an early appearance as the very competitive Topper fleet clashed with a committee boat that was swinging in the tide causing great difficulty in getting safe transits or judging where the line was likely to be in the final minute.

There was a great showing of Scottish boats and in the final reckoning it was Andrew MacGowan who was top Scot in 13th place with Angus Gray-Stephens in 22nd. Alexander Still continued his impressive season with a 49 and Sammi Foster delivered a solid performance in 82nd. Last to make the top half was Emma Palmer in 97th demonstrating just how competitive Topper racing at this level has now become.

Joanna Barrie held off the challenge of club mate Jessica Campbell as the Annandale duo recorded 112 and 122 respectively with Ian Symon in 123.

Despite missing three of the races and breaking ANOTHER BOOM Rory Kilgore posted a 154.

Aaron Murray also had a tough weekend learning the cost of the black flag but still managed 167, ahead of West Squad newcomer Andrew Crocket from Loch Lomond in 175. Welcome to the Nationwide circuit Andrew, we look forward to successes to come. Emily and Patrick rounded off the Scottish Traveling Party with disappointing results attributable to both sustaining a mixture of bailer damage, gear failure and ill health over the weekend.

At the front of the fleet it was Christopher Eames who manged to pip Michael Becket for the overall win with Alexander Alcock in third. First girl was Felicity Foulds in 10th.

For full results click here.

Well done everybody. See you at the Nationals.

G.