Topping weekend at Durleigh Reservoir 2011

Over 30 Topper dinghies from all over the south west region attended the race training weekend at Durleigh Reservoir last weekend.

They came from as far afield as Starcross, Axbridge and Chew Valley Sailing Clubs to attend the race training session on Saturday 19th March and the first ever Open Race meeting on Sunday 20th March.

The event was run by Durleigh Sailing Club (DSC) and Somerset Youth & Community Sailing Association (SYCSA) in conjunction with the International Topper Class Association (ITCA). The weekend was designed to promote sailing amongst youngsters at Durleigh and further our bid for full RYA Volvo Champion Club status.

It is also part of SYCSA’s 2011 project “Enable All to Sail”.

The weather was bright, sunny with a gentle breeze as the young sailors assembled for their exhilarating weekend of sail training and racing.

Anticipation was high and the competition fierce between the participants who included members of the RYA South West Regional Zone Squad (Olympic hopefuls in waiting) as well as first time racers from Durleigh.
There was some excellent sailing, with competition being friendly off the reservoir, but determined on the water.
There were 4 races on Sunday, which saw some very skilful, keen sailing and competition amongst the enthusiastic competitors.
After the event there was a presentation of medals to the winners and runners up in the first male, first female and endeavour categories.

Comment from Peter Branson, Chair of SYCSA, “It was a great weekend; many new friendships were formed and is an event we plan to run annually. What a topping weekend for sailing, it will certainly help Durleigh to be put on the National Youth racing map”