Local Ace Luke Simpson is Topper 5.3 Traveller Winner at County Antrim Yacht Club

18th May 2023

Luke Simpson (CAYC), winner of the 5.3 Topper Traveller at County Antrim Yacht Club

Twenty-one Topper dinghy sailors from as far away as Dun Laoghaire and Sligo Yacht Club turned out for last weekend’s Topper Traveller hosted by County Antrim Yacht Club on the north shore of Belfast Lough.

The sailors raced in two fleets, the 4.2s and the 5.3s. The overall winner was Luke Simpson of the host club, and Adam Green of Lough Erne was first in the 4.2s.

For the Saturday training day with RYANI coaches Luke McIlwaine and Ellen Barbour, breezes were light, but it was very different on the Race Day when the north-westerly offshore was gusting 17 knots, giving tight keen racing.

Tom Driscoll runner up (47583) and fourth placed Joseph Robinson (BYC) Photo: Kathryn Anderson

The prize for the first Youth went to Luke Simpson, with the second prize going to Joseph Robinson of Ballyholme. The first Female Youth was Iseult Speirs (BYC), with her clubmate Sophie Cairns second. The first Junior male was Tom Driscoll from BYC and Royal North, with Calum Pollard of the home club second. First Female Junior was Emily McAfee of Ballyholme, with Kate Molloy from Royal St. George second.

Luke Simpson (CAYC) overall first Topper Traveller County Antrim YC with Commodore Peter Darragh Photo: Kathryn Anderson

Simpson dominated the 5.3 fleet with three first places scoring a total of three points, with Tom Driscoll five behind on 8. Just one point was the difference for Calum Pollard in third at nine. Adam Green scored three firsts in the 4.2 fleet.

The event organiser and Race Officer was Sheela Lewis.

Peter Darragh, Commodore, commented “Well done to all the competitors who competed on Sunday in changeable conditions. An excellent outcome to have completed the four races. The Club was delighted to welcome young sailors from across Ireland. It was extremely tight and competitive racing. Massive thanks to everyone who helped make the event a success - too many to mention individuals, but particular thanks to the teams - race management, food and hospitality, safety boat, mark laying/media boat and shore, launch and recovery team. Competitors and parents left having had a really positive experience of CAYC, and members should be really proud of being part of a club that can bring this all together. I wanted to express my thanks and congratulations to all.”

2023 Topper Traveller County Antrim YC results

Topper Traveller Prizewinners at County Antrim Yacht Club with Commodore Peter Darragh Photo: Kathryn Anderson

Published in Topper, Youth Sailing, Belfast Lough

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About The Author

Betty Armstrong

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Betty Armstrong is Afloat and Yachting Life's Northern Ireland Correspondent. Betty grew up racing dinghies but now sails a more sedate Dehler 36 around County Down

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