#endeavourtrophy – Piping their nearest rivals to the post in the final race of the series was just enough for Matt Burge and Toby Lewis representing the Osprey class to secure the 2014 Topper Sailboats-supported UK Endeavour Championship.
The final race showdown was exciting with Ian Dobson and Holly Scott (GP14) establishing an impressive one-minute lead over Mee and Pygall (Merlin Rocket). Dobson and Scott maintained their position to the finish but in the closing stages of the race, Burge and Lewis (Osprey) were back in contention after being buried at the start and were able to take advantage of a favourable shift at the final leeward mark and just managed to beat Mee and Pygall across the line.
Toby Lewis - four times Endeavour Champion crew - added. "It is great to win it with Matt. We had a tough day today, and a real fight on our hands. It was just an excellent last race. Today was a real case of not giving up. In both races we were buried at times but through sheer determination we pulled through."
At 16 years old, Rachel Grayson (Mirror class national champion) is not only one of the youngest helmsmen at this year's event but according available records, she is also the highest placed female helmsman ever at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club-hosted Endeavour Championship.
Grayson sailing with Nigel Wakefield, who finished the event in sixth place overall, was noted for her extreme skill, professional composure and her consistent performance throughout the weekend.
Overall Results (eight races, 1 discard)
1. Osprey, Matt Burge and Toby Lewis, 21 points
2. Merlin Rocket, Matt Mee and Tom Pygall, 22
3. GP 14, Ian Dobson and Holly Scott, 23
4. Lark, Charlie Roome and Jeremy Stephens, 33
5. Streaker, Tom Gillard and Sam Brearey, 33
6. Mirror, Rachel Grayson and Nigel Wakefield, 37
Full results here
