Erin McIlwaine from Newcastle in Co Down leapfrogged overnight leader Conor Horgan of Royal Cork Yacht Club to take the win at the inaugural Topper Winter Championships held at Crosshaven in Cork Harbour this weekend writes Bob Bateman.
Erin also took the Ladies prize from a fleet of 29 boats. In the 4.2 fleet, Lewis Thompson of Donaghadee and Ballyholme counted six straight wins in his division.
Given the rain over much of Europe, Cork was very lucky with the weather, frosty mornings giving way to clear days with light north westerly breezes.
Four races were sailed on Saturday leaving just two to be completed on the Sunday and here competitors had to contend with a rain squall during the morning.
