BUOYANT teenagers from Rugby have celebrated becoming national champions.
At the Topper National Championships, 14-year-old Jess Powell retained the Topper 5.3 National Championship following her success last year.
And Hari Clark, 13, claimed the Topper 4.2 National Championship, having won the World Championship last month in Spain.
The two Draycote Water Sailing Club members were among just over 150 young sailors who took part in the championships at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, competing in the Topper 5.3 class for larger or older sailors, and the Topper 4.2 for younger or smaller sailors.
Hari started well, with only two results outside the top three in the first 14 races to establish a commanding lead. But the final five races were more difficult, with sixth being his best place. Although his lead decreased, Hari’s work early in the week ensured that he stayed ahead.
Jess did the opposite with a relatively slow start, finishing the qualifying series in fourth place. But she won four of the seven races in the final series and never finished lower than fourth, giving her a massive lead in the end.
Rugby High School student Jess was inspired to take up the sport by meeting the Team GB Olympic sailors after the Rio Olympics in 2016.
She said of her result: “It was a brilliant six days of sailing in a range of conditions. I won by 10 points with a race to spare, which is amazing.
“This was my last Topper event and it’s great to finish on such a high. Thanks to everyone that’s supported me.”
Hari, who goes to Lawrence Sheriff School, only took up sailing three years ago and started racing two years ago.
He said of his golden summer: “I’m super proud of what I’ve achieved and I’m grateful for all the support and coaching, especially from the Draycote Academy.
“Conditions at the National Championships became very windy, and as a smaller sailor this made my job difficult! A high level of fitness was important to win this six-day event.”
Draycote Academy head coach Steve Irish said: “These brilliant results for Jess and Hari are a testament to the hard work they put in training over the winter months, and it’s great to see that come to fruition.”
Draycote Water Sailing Club president Jeremy Atkins added: “This unprecedented double reflects their commitment to be the best they can be.
“Four years ago the club set up its Draycote Academy to train sailors to compete at a high level. Since then, it has generated two world championship and three national championship wins in the Topper class.
“Neither Jess nor Hari come from sailing families – they have learnt to sail at Draycote Water Sailing Club and now reached the top of their sport.”
