SYC Team Topper Report
Published 11:49 on 11 Oct 2024
Topper Team SYC (Charlotte Simmonds, Charlie MacKenzie and George Reynolds) have had a terrific season of Topper sailing on the South West open meeting circuit (otherwise known as SW Traveller Series). Charlie will have competed in nine Travellers and Charlotte and George in eight. They are currently all in the top seven positions in the series overall which has taken place from Fowey in the west to Parkstone in the east and with the final Parkstone event to come next weekend.
The Nationals were a particular highlight, competing against 130 other sailors in Weymouth. After the first few days of qualifying the competitors were split into Gold and Silver fleets. Charlie did very well to break into the Gold fleet and Charlotte and George placed at the top of the Silver. They did superbly well to all finish around the middle of the combined overall fleet at their first attempt of racing at National level.
The recent Plymouth Traveller was a selector for the Topper RYA South West Regional Training Group (RTG) and all three were thrilled to be selected. Charlotte has decided that now is the right time to transition classes to an ILCA and is continuing her training with the ILCA RTG. Charlie and George have also been selected to train with the International Topper Class Association (ITCA) 5.3 Team and, in combination with the RTG, have a very busy winter ahead of nine weekend training events between now and March which include Carsington Water in Derbyshire and Island Barn SC just outside London.
There is no doubt that all this requires immense family commitment in all kinds of ways but it is incredibly worthwhile when you see the amazing sailing progress and, just as importantly, the wonderful camaraderie and friendships amongst the sailors as well as their supporting teams (parents).
Huge thanks from the Simmonds, MacKenzies and Reynolds go to SYC for their immense support. To be able to use the clubs new Toppers is greatly appreciated. Were really looking forward to continuing to fly the flag for SYC next season.
