MICSLtd.com Scottish Topper Championships 2010

Largo Bay proved an excellent venue for the MICSLtd.com 2010 Scottish Topper Championships. Sun, sea and sand a plenty but sadly the light wind theme continued and the usual Largo Bay sea breeze failed to materialise although through the determination of the OOD four races were completed in the challenging conditions.

On Saturday a short delay was required before the wind settled to a steady force 2 from the South. Samantha Foster led race one from the start building a substantial lead by the end. Calum Tait led the chasing pack with Aaron Murray in third followed by Jack Aitken and Jordan Black.

Race two was a much closer affair as the wind initially fell away then returned from the East. Jordan Black led down the first reach but paid the price for sailing too high initially as Samantha and Aaron powered through on a straighter line to the gybe. There was a close battle to the gybe mark with Sammi holding the inside line but Aaron was just able to break the overlap with a few lengths to go and crossed ahead to lead on the second reach. With the wind failing he was able to stay ahead to the finish. Jordan was third with David Abraham coming through to fourth.

Race three was again a light wind affair with a strong start and good downwind speed the key to a top position. Final positions were exactly as for race 2.

As the fleet gathered for the Saturday evening barbeque it was Aaron leading from Sammi on equal points and Jordan third with Calum Tait in fourth.

For Sunday the forecast was promising and with blue skies and sunshine the signs were all set for a classic Largo Bay day of champagne sailing. The fleet launched on time but despite a lengthy delay the fourth race eventually got away in only the lightest of breeze. The time it was Calum Tait who showed the way from the start Aaron was next, this time pressed hard by Joanne Foster. Samantha was eighth at the first mark but pulled through to fourth by the leeward mark. With the race shortened to just one leg there were tense moments for both Jo and Aaron as Samantha chose the favored left side and was closing rapidly heading to the finish but in the end the wind filled in again and the positions remained unchanged.

After another lengthy postponement the wind refused to settle to the expected south Westerly and the OOD had no choice but to bring the fleet ashore.

Aaron Murray was duly crowned a very popular 2010 Scottish Area Champion with Samantha a close second and first lady. Calum Tait was third with Jordan Black fourth.

Overall Champion - Aaron Murray

First overall: Aaron

Second overall: Samantha

Third overall: Calum Tait

Fourth overall: Jordan Black

Fifth overall: David Abraham

Sixth Overall: Jack Aitken

First Female: Samantha Foster

Second Female: Joanne Foster (8th overall)

Third Female: Jennifer Abraham (11th overall)

First Junior: Aaron Murray