Toppers Worlds 2019

The three sailors that attended the Topper World Championships 2019 are back and at their desks, catching up on their homework.

What a privilege it was and an experience they will never forget. Bradon Kretzmann said: “It was an amazing experience meeting old and new friends. I manage to end up in the silver fleet and I learned a lot through the competition.”

James Bull admitted he did not want to return home as the sailing and companionship of like-minded people were so special.

This World Championship was again plagued by light winds after their coach promised them some good winds. How could she foresee a major heat wave with little wind in Holland?

The first day was sailed in a lovely 15 to 20 knots however the short Ljeermeer waves kept our boys humble. If you gave a quick pump of the sail and moved your body weight at the right moment you could surf these waves, however, get it wrong and your boat would fill up with water and your rhythm would be lost.

The second day was hot and windless, and the fleets only got on the water after 4pm in the afternoon, enjoying the late setting sun of the northern hemisphere. The wind offered a very light 8 knots that was not what our sailors came for.

Wednesday brought no good news 6 –8 knots and very shifty gusties –not our sailors’ forté. At least that evening they got to showcase South Africa with food and dance. Zoo biscuits, Chappies, Fizzers, Wilson toffees and of course Ouma rusks were enjoyed by the multitude of sailors from the different countries. Waydon Goliath strutted his stuff on the stage and was soon joined by a crowd.

The finals of the championship kicked off on Thursday with the fleet being divided into gold, silver and bronze. Bradon was delighted he made the silver fleet, his goal for this year. The breeze kept on dropping and racing was abandoned as it dropped below 5 knots.

During Thursday night, the temperature finally broke with a major thunderstorm and strong breeze. The sailors arose to a lovely 12 -14 knots, but the storm whipped up those famous, steep, choppy waves. The race officer managed to fit three races into the final day. It took plenty of concentration and skill to keep the boat nose out of those waves.

The final results saw Bradon Kretzmann finishing 47thin the silver fleet. Waydon Goliath was 15thand James Bull 23rd in the bronze fleet.