PSC Sailors at 2010 Topper World Championships
Four Papercourt SC sailors made the trip to Lake Garda in northern Italy for the 2010 Topper World Championships during August. The effort of trailing boats half way across Europe was rewarded with stunning scenery, sunshine, 25 to 30 degrees centigrade, no rain and the chance to compete against 125 like minded Topper sailors. Competitors were divided into four flights for the first half of the week and then split into gold and silver fleets for the remainder of the competition. Papercourt sailors were represented in both fleets in the second half of the week, with Jack Spence securing a place in the gold fleet and Sammy Bonella, Alice Cook and James Cook battling it out in the silver fleet. Conditions throughout the week were perfect for sailors and spectators alike, with the club terrace providing an ideal viewing platform. As a parent, I can not speak highly enough of the location for a family championship holiday, as I was even able to watch the racing while sitting on the beach opposite our campsite (or indeed while eating lunch at the tent!). At the end of the week the Italian brothers of Michele and Giovanni Benamati had shown everyone how to sail a Topper in a breeze, securing a family one, two overall. Jack returned a creditable 43rd overall while Sammy overcame her initial disappointment of not qualifying for the gold fleet in the best way possible; by dominating the silver fleet and achieving the top spot on the podium at the prize giving. Alice and James both had the best week sailing of their short racing careers with 27th and 40th overall respectively.
If the Toppers return to Malcesine for the Worlds (an open event - no need to qualify) put all your holiday plans on hold, hitch up your trailer and prepare to be amazed.
Graham Cook
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