The Toppers have flown the laser nest and are now a fully fledged Royal Cork dinghy class of their own, with 7 boats and counting.
The Topper is ideal for those who have grown quickly and are too tall or heavy for an Optimist, but are young and not yet ready physically for a laser. The Topper rig has been adapted to create a competitive racing boat, by adding stronger controls and more versatile spars. It can also be sailed by an adult, making it an ideal boat to have in a club for teenager and adult beginners.
Topper training is three tier: Club, Association & ISA squad. As well as regular coaching sessions in the Royal Cork, the Topper Association organises open training sessions in clubs around the country. Another big advantage for the Topper is that the ISA recognises it as a “pathway” boat. The National Squad is selected on the basis of criteria defined on the ISA Website.
While it is a social boat if you just want to get out on the water, there is a very active competitive event circuit. There are five one-day events, three regional two-day events and three day Nationals which are in Dunmore East 4th -6th July. The British Nationals will be in Pwellhilli SC 3rd -7th August and the Topper Worlds will be in the same venue 11th – 15th August.
For more details on Toppers please refer to www.irltopper.com
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