Kilsby leads in Dubai Topper sailing

Former world champion Daniel Kilsby took the lead at the end of the opening four races on the first day of the Dubai Topper Sailing Championship that started = at the Jebel Ali Sailing Club (JASC) yesterday.

The first Topper competition consisting of a total of nine races over two days, is being sponsored by Wafi City Mall.

The racing is being overseen by the UK's national Topper coach, Dave Cockerill. Kilsby, a locally trained sailor, was at the top of the table in the Open Class with nine points after the first four races held yesterday.

Kilsby was crowned the under-12 World Champion at the competition held in Dubai back in 1996. Following closely behind Kilsby in second place with 11 points is Eve Brinsley, also from the JASC.

The home team dominance was completed after Paul Castle followed two points adrift of Brinsley. About 50 sailors are participating in this competition.

Today will see another five races being held. A majority of the sailors are either from the JASC or the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club.

The sailors are placed on the low point system with the competitors having the option of discarding two races for their overall standing.

Results: Open Class: 1. Daniel Kilsby (9pts); 2. Eve Brinsley (11pts); 3. Paul Castle (13pts). Novice Class: 1. Tara Gillespie; 2. Josie Walsh; 3. Trevor Mill Irvin. Beginners: 1. Michael Bodie; 2. Joe Palau; 3. Glen Castle.