GJW Direct Topper 'Not the Nationals' 2021 at Grafham Water Sailing Club - Video

GJW Direct Topper 'Not the Nationals' 2021 prize winners © Gareth Griffiths

First ever GJW Direct 'Not the Nationals' complete!

After sadly losing this year's National Championships, Grafham Water Sailing Club kindly stepped in to host this replacement regatta.

Wednesday saw beautiful sunshine but sadly no wind - after a postponement ashore, racing was called off for the day. Thursday brought much better conditions for sailing to allow four championships races plus a 'fun race' to be completed for both the 5.3 and 4.2 fleets.

After coming ashore, sailors, volunteers and families enjoyed a delicious hog roast put on by the club.

There was even more wind on Friday. One more race was successfully completed, but during the second race of the day the wind increased further and the fleet were brought ashore.

First overall in the 4.2 fleet was Harry Mitchell taking an impressive four wins out of five. Oscar Filtness, the only other race winner, took second overall with Alex Jones in third.

In the 5.3 fleet, Edwin Cross, the only multiple race winner, took first. Leo Yates was second with Alfred Noel in third.

A huge thank you to Grafham Water Sailing Club once again for stepping in at the last minute to host this event. Thank you also to our brilliant sponsors - GJW Direct, Rooster, Harken, Optimum Time, Topper Sailboats, Sailingawards, Marlow Ropes, and Go Dippy - and all of the volunteers who made this event happen - particularly our Race Officer John Burgoine for whom this was his last Race Management event.

GJW Direct Topper 'Not the Nationals' 2021 - photo © Dave Wood

4.2 Fleet Results: (see other event report for 5.3 fleet results)