After the thunderstorms of the previous night, Saturday, June 7, gradually cleared to present a fine afternoon with a light force two southerly breeze over an ebb tide for the Salcombe sailors. Race officer Chris Spencer-Chapman set an 'around the creeks' course followed by a loop around the harbour. First away were the junior and the medium handicap fleets. Evie Booth finished over 10 minutes ahead of William Meek in her RS Tera Sport, while Peter Ballantine made a welcome return to his Laser Radial to win the medium handicap from Kate Brooks, also in a Laser Radial. The full course was sailed by the fast handicap, solo fleet and yawl fleet. All of the winners followed much the same tactic by starting off the middle of the line and staying on the tide, to emerge at Blackstone in a position where they could consolidate their leads by following the 'classic' route around the tidal gates of the harbour. Peter Cook and Janet Exelby drew out a considerable lead on AJ and Laura Squire, both sailing Merlin Rockets in the fast handicap fleet. Next was the RS 400 of John and Annie McLaren, followed by a trio of National 12s. Once again the solos were the most numerous, and with Peter Ballantine playing elsewhere, there was all to play for. Chris Cleaves and Bill Jago showed their extensive local knowledge to draw into a clear first and second place, followed by Simon Dobson, who recovered into third place. Simon Yates risked all by taking the inside route on Biddle Head and emerged in fourth place. Six yawls continued the experiment of combining the classic and modern yawls as a handicap fleet. David Greening and Stephen Galvin in 'Spruce Goose' finally broke away from the pack at Yalton and, despite running out of wind on the final run to Crossways, managed to take the handicap win from Anthony and Allyson Lofts in 'Frigate'. Salcombe Yacht Club also played hosts to a SW topper traveller and area weekend. It is a favourite venue with the stalwart band of parental and team support, which is vital to let these talented young sailors flourish. There is no better place than the yacht club terrace at Cliff House to see the shifting wind and tide alter the race positions. The first day was dominated by the National Topper Squad sailors Bella Fellows and Luke and Euan Gribbin. Sunday brought a stronger breeze and local Charlie Blazeby had two absolutely perfect starts. As the first Sunday morning race progressed, Bella Fellow had a sizeable lead at the leeward mark, but Charlie then led a group over to tack up the Salcombe shore, showing Euan the quick way to the mark and to a well-deserved win. SYC cadets took part and all enjoyed racing in such a strong fleet including George Alexander, Max Pearce, Al Hattersley, Alex Sando Reynolds, Ollie Howling and Tilly White.

Results Topper Open Meeting 1st Topper 47399 Bella Fellows, 2nd Topper 46895 Luke Gribbin, 3rd Topper 47028 Evan Gribbin

Junior Handicap 1st RS Tera Pro 2146 Evie Booth, 2nd RS Tera Sport 1131 William Meek, 3rd RS Tera Sport 1881 Medium Handicap 1st Laser Radial 7 Peter Ballantine, 2nd Laser Radial 198304 Kate Brooks, 3rd Laser 154646 Tom Morris

Fast Handicap 1st Merlin Rocket 3616 Peter Cook and Janet Exelby, 2nd Merlin Rocket 3725 Andrew and Laura Squire, 3rd RS 400 1421 John and Annie McLaren

Solo 1st Solo 5295 Chris Cleaves, 2nd Solo 5316 Bill Jago, 3rd Solo 5313 Simon Dobson

Salcombe Yawl 1st Salcombe Yawl 177 David Greening and Stephen Galvin, 2nd Salcombe Yawl 132 Anthony and Allyson Lofts, 3rd Salcombe Yawl 97 Andrew Wood