Topper Times Summer.indd

The magazine of the International Topper Class Association (GBR)
Volume 42 No.13 Summer 2009
Officers, Committee Members
and Area Representatives
Chairman: Charles Glover
390 Sandygate Road, Sheffield, S10 5UE
chairman@gbrtopper.co.uk 07836719563
Designer Representative: Roger Proctor
12 Cave Street, Bristol, BS2 8RY
roger@proctors.co.uk 0117 9232282
Treasurer: Judith Venables
8 Herringshaw Croft, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, B76 1HT
treasurer@gbrtopper.co.uk 0121240 8444
Vice Chairman Racing: Bill Brassington
1 Meadow Lane, Pitstone, Bucks, LU7 9EZ
racing@gbrtopper.co.uk 01296 668592 / 07801433171
Contents
Inside this Issue
Vice Chairman Training: Simon Dabson
Cherrymeade, 1 Queens Crescent, Putnoe, Bedford, MK41 9BN
training@gbrtopper.co.uk 01234 214855 / 07718 656031
04
Notes from the Editor...
05
Chairman’s Chatter
Chief Measurer: Roger Ackroyd
26 Charles Close, Wroxham, Norwich, Norfolk, NR12 8TU
measurer@gbrtopper.co.uk 01603 783073
06
Sailing Solutions Tip
Starting
Web Master: Phil Harland
29 Swan Drive, Aldermaston Wharf, Reading, Berks, RG7 4UZ
webmaster@gbrtopper.co.uk 0118 9713271 / 07880748380
08
Preparation up to an event
10
Tuning your Topper
with a roll of tape!
12
All Girls Training
14
Craftinsure National Series 1
RYA Topper Coach: David Cockerill
20 Long Copse Lane, Emsworth, Hants, PO10 7UL
njscoach@gbrtopper.co.uk 01243 431508
16
Magic Marine Topper
Inland Championships 2009
Junior Development Squad Administrator: Jacky Benbow
admin.jdp@gbrtopper.co.uk
18
Rep. Midlands: Seonaid Flemming
25 Canberra Drive, Beaconside, Stafford, ST16 3PX
arearep.midlands@gbrtopper.co.uk 07825 958192
Crewsaver ITCA
National Youth Squad
18
Lessons from Grafham
19
Sailing Solutions Topper 4.2
National Championships
20
Inlands and Nationals Photos
22
Winter Training Photos
24
Craftinsure 2009
Topper National Event
25
Topper Winter Regatta
at Weymouth
27
Topper Winter Regatta at
Bassenthwaite Sailing Club
28
Junior Winter Training
Racing in the North Zone
30
ITCA on Show
at the Dinghy Show
31
RYA Community Awards
31
Ian Cox Tribute
Topper Youth Squad Organiser: Ian Patience
14 Oakfield Drive, Pilson Green, S Walsham, Norfolk, NR13 6EH
youthcoach@gbrtopper.co.uk 01603 270003 / 07879413060
Youth Squad Administrator: Jackie Bonella
admin.youth@gbrtopper.co.uk
Rep. North West: Andy Millington
35 Leamington Road, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 4PE
arearep.northwest@gbrtopper.co.uk 01260 274363
Rep. South: Jonathan Cunnison
1 Kingsey Avenue, Emsworth, Hants, PO10 7HP
arearep.southern@gbrtopper.co.uk 01243 431445 / 07790 494663
Rep. North East: Alison Hill
Station Bungalow, Sandsend, Whitby, North Yorks, YO21 3TG
arearep.northeast@gbrtopper.co.uk 01947 893348 / 07704082414
Rep. Wales: Carol Williams
Highfield, 32 Wynnstay Lane, Marford, Wrexham, LL12 8LG
arearep.wales@gbrtopper.co.uk 01978 852245 / 0794 1587146
Rep. South West: Alison Smith
20 Camden Road, Torquay, TQ1 1NZ
arearep.southwest@gbrtopper.co.uk 01803 392675 / 07828 115899
Rep. East: Lynne Mackley
18 Chandos Road, Ampthill, MK45 2LD
arearep.eastern@gbrtopper.co.uk 01525 406340
Rep. South East: Geoff Crowther
4 Morecoombe Close, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, KT2 75Q
arearep.southeast@gbrtopper.co.uk 0207 2844963 / 07768 402928
Rep. Scotland: Liz Palmer
2 Roseburn Crescent, Edinburgh, EH12 5NZ
arearep.scotland@gbrtopper.co.uk 01313373603 / 07710 572578
Child Protection Officer: Andy Piggott
6 Coed y Fron, Holywell, Flintshire, CH8 7UJ
childprotection@gbrtopper.co.uk 01352 715751
32
Topper Squad Corner
34
It’s your Letters
Topper Times Editor: Tim Yeates
2 Betsyfield Drive, Croft, Warrington, Cheshire, WA3 7LJ
tteditor@gbrtopper.co.uk
38
NSSA National School
Sailing Association
Topper Times Design: Vixter Grafix
3 Heath Terrace, Drakewalls, Cornwall, PL18 9EA
vickihorrell@yahoo.co.uk 07867 616153
40
Topper World
Championships 2009
Fixtures Sec: Jan Harland
29 Swan Drive, Aldermaston Wharf, Reading, Berks, RG7 4UZ
fixtures@gbrtopper.co.uk 0118 9713271 / 07831 379168
41
Sailing Accommodation
42
Topper Insurance Premiums
12
14
16
24
PR: Vacant
RIB Master: Andy Millington
ribmaster@gbrtopper.co.uk 01915 200932
Secretary: Susan Wellerd
17 Woods Hill Lane, Ashurst Wood, West Sussex, RH19 3RW
secretary@gbrtopper.co.uk 01342 311873 / 07740 645129
International Chairman ITCA: George Clark
73 Kennington Avenue, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 9EX
g.l.clark@btinternet.com
Cover Photograph by Peter Newton
ITCA (GBR), 17 Woods Hill Lane, Ashurst Wood, West Sussex, RH19 3RW
Tel: 01342 311873 Fax: 01342 311873
Email: itcagbr@tiscali.co.uk Website: www.gbrtopper.co.uk
DISCLAIMER: Much of the information within this publication is gathered from individuals, clubs etc.
ITCA (GBR), its Officers and Committee accept no responsibility for the correctness of such information and opinion.
Members are always advised to check with clubs before travelling to Open Meetings.
Contents Inside this Issue
3
Notes from the Editor...
Chairman’s Chatter
Here we are with another edition of Topper Times,
a big thank you to everyone who has sent articles and
photos this time. It’s been a long winter of Toppering on
the road, but It’s also been great fun as you will read further
into the Magazine. The transition from mainly training
events to competitions has been made with the first of
the Craftinsure National Series at Rutland and the recent
Magic Marine Inland Championships. We also have our
first National Champion of 2009 with Dan Venables taking
the 4.2 crown at the recent event run alongside the Inland
Championships at Grafham Water Sailing Club.
The preview of the World Championships makes Austria
sound very tempting as does the area around Helensburgh
for the last of the National Series in October, the advice is
to get booking that accommodation – and we have help on
that subject too!
It seems no time at all since we all waved good bye at
the end of last season at our final national series event
at Carsington – but of course for many, it is then that the
hard work starts as the winter coaching and squads
swing into action.
This is your Magazine, if you are having fun, need advice
or have anything that is newsworthy then please send an
email to me at tteditor@gbrtopper.co.uk, you don’t need to
wait until the next edition is due, get writing as soon as you
like, I will keep articles or letters ready for the next issue in
Autumn. If you want information about current or future
events then checkout the highly acclaimed website at
www.gbrtopper.co.uk.
Whether you are a coach, a sailor or a parent winter can
be busy and cold - I speak from personal experience when
I say that no one likes packing the boat away in the dark,
when it inevitably starts to rain or even snow.
You will also find articles from our National Squad coach
about the all important Start to races and Elliot Hanson
has put pen to paper to describe how, as last years Inland,
National and World champion, he prepared himself and
his boat for the big events. We have reviews of the
Winter Regattas, photos of winter training around the
country and the prize for the best Letter to the Editor is
well worth writing for.
Tim Yeates
‘... This is your Magazine’
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4
Notes from the Editor...
Taking into account open coaching in the regions,
the RYA squads and the ITCA GBR squads there have
been well over 150 days of coaching delivered over the
winter months helping sailors at every level.
For the first time this year we have held 2 winter regattas,
offering a great opportunity to put into practice the
winter coaching. With 118 sailors at Weymouth and 85
at Bassenthwaite – both appear to have been a great
success. However, to reduce cost for sailors and families,
next year we are running with just one event at
Rutland Sailing Club on 13th and 14th February.
A number of ex Topper sailors have recently been selected
to represent this country at the Laser 4.7 Worlds in Brazil,
the Laser Radial Worlds in Japan and the ISAF World
Championships in Brazil – a real demonstration of the
potential that can be achieved.
Whatever your aims are this season most of all I really
hope you enjoy your sailing and also enjoy your time
ashore making new friends and helping to confirm our
position as “the friendly class”.
If you have any suggestions for ways in which we can
make your sailing more enjoyable, please do drop me a
line at chairman@gbrtopper.co.uk, myself and the rest of
the committee are always happy to listen to new ideas,
and don’t forget that at the National’s in August the AGM
(Annual General Meeting) is your opportunity to let us
know what you think.
See you
on the circuit!
Charles
As we moved into the 2009 season, I am delighted that
we retained and extended relationships with our National
sponsors; Topper International, Magic Marine, Craftinsure
and Sailing Solutions helping us to offer fantastic prizes at
our events and generate income which we can put back
into the class. In addition we are delighted to welcome
ICOM as our radio communications partner, which has
helped us to update and extend the class VHF radio fleet.
At our first National Series event at Rutland, I was really
excited to find out that we had set yet another record
– the first time we have attracted 200 competitors to the first
event of the season and not only that, we also managed to
achieve 6 races, which for those of you who have been on
the circuit a while will know, hasn’t happened very often.
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At some coaching I heard that mast gates were having to
be disassembled because they were frozen solid and
Dave Cockerill tells me that at the first all girls training
camp the sailors had to come ashore because the ropes
were completely frozen – rather you than me!
As we rapidly head towards our first selection event for
the RYA National Squads as well as the ITCA (GBR) JDP
and Youth Squads at Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club it
makes me reflect on how fortunate we are to be an
RYA Pathway Class meaning we can help an even greater
number of Topper sailors achieve their true potential.
I appreciate that running 4 races back to back is a challenge,
but I do feel that where the forecast and local advice
suggests it, we should endeavour to provide the sailing we
set out to achieve – of course, you can be assured that my
first thought will always be for the safety of each and every
sailor, whether racing at the front or further down the field.
International Topper Class (GBR)
A.G.M.
Notice of Meeting
Monday 3rd August 2009
Pwhelli Sailing Club
20.00 Annual General Meeting
- all members of ITCA (GBR) welcome
Chairman’s Chatter
5
Sailing Solutions Tip
When the line is biased towards the
pin end the stern of your boat could
well be level with bow of the boat to
windward! The effect of this going
down a long line is the famous line sag.
Starting
The trigger pull
Starting
Pre-start
Start lines are scary places! In the
final 5 minutes boats are coming at
you from all directions and in the final
minute it’s even worse! A bad start
means a bad race but being over the
line and being disqualified is even
worse! OK so how come the experts
get good starts so regularly?
Line bias
There are gains to be made if you are
near to the favoured end of the line.
The favoured end is the one that is
closest to the wind. In the diagram to
the left the red boat will be well ahead
of the green boat because the pin end
of the line is biased in its favour.
Finding the line
Routines
If only the race officer could paint the
line on the water for us! Some people
just seem to know where the line is but
most of us have to use a trick or two.
List all the things you know you
should do from leaving the beach
to the start signal and put them in
order and set a time against each one.
Examples might be, 4 minutes to go
– find my safe transit, 3 minutes to
go – check line bias, 2 minutes to go
– have final drink and so on.
Routines are great because it saves
you having to think and thinking can
mean the same as worrying to lots
of sailors. That way you won’t forget
anything either!
Transits
When these work they are magic.
Hard to explain but basically you look
down the line from one end to the
other and find a fixed item beyond
the far end. As long as the fixed item
(dead sheep are better than live ones!)
stays in line with the far end then you
are on the line.
Attitude
You need to be assertive at the start
but not aggressive, aim for a very
good start but not the perfect start
because the perfect start can be too
risky and can spoil an important race.
Most importantly you need the attitude
that this is my bit of the line, this is
my good start and you are not going
to spoil it!
Safe transit
The best way of finding the favoured
(biased) end is to point your boat
at the wind (yellow) and it will be
pointing closer to the best end to
start at. The purple boat has kept its
mainsheet in the same amount on
each tack and will ‘flap’ towards the
best end.
It is best if your boat is travelling
fast as it crosses the line. If you line
up on the line then you have no
space to accelerate. It follows then
that you should use a safe transit
which is one that lines you up slightly
behind the line.
This was the first start at the Southern Winter Regatta.
There was 1 minute to go; do you think any of this lot had a transit??????
6
Sailing Solutions Tip Starting
Space is your friend
I know that it is hard to find a space
on a Topper start line but it is possible.
On a biased line there will rarely be
space right at the favoured end so this
is a risky place to be. Better then to
be towards the favoured end rather
than at it, just before the big bunch is
great. The other important space is
the gap to leeward of you. With good
boat handling skills and an excellent
knowledge of the rules you can create
and then guard the space to leeward.
You can use this space to bear away
into and accelerate in the final second
or two before the start.
Lining up
Sailors often line their boats up
alongside the boat to windward
– wrong! I hope the diagram shows
you that, on a line with no bias (the
wind is exactly 90 degrees to the line);
the sailor needs to be level with the
bow of the boat to windward.
This is the well known phrase for
accelerating your boat from almost
stopped to full speed. It needs a great
deal of practice because it is the single
most important manoeuvre you do
in a boat race. Everyone will have a
slightly different take on the timings
and as conditions change what you
do changes slightly anyway. This will
work as a start point (poor joke alert!):
• 7 secs – With sheets slack, bear
away into that lovely gap you have
created. Use your rudder to get
to close hauled and the hull shape
and a bit of forward movement to
get to a reach (don’t loose that gap
to leeward!)
• 5 secs – Stand up and pull the kicker
on (it must be off before this or
the boat will move forward and is
difficult to control).
• 3 secs – Heel the boat to leeward
and sheet in as fast as you can
and allow the boat to head up.
Many inexperienced sailors leave
this too late. You have to go with or
go a half a second before the boats
around you. If you know your transit
this should not be a problem!
• Go – you should be going at speed
across the line as you pull the boat
up. Try to feel the water flow around
your daggerboard and rudder.
If you sheet in too quickly or pull the
boat up too hard the foils will not
grip and the boat will slide sideways
rather than going forward.
• Go to plus 60 seconds – work like
mad to hold your position. You
simply must not let the boat above
and below you get ahead – your race
depends on it!
Line Sag - where the smart red boat
has a SAFE TRANSIT and is about to
make an excellent start
It’s all about experience and
confidence. The more you get involved,
the more experience you have and
with this experience comes confidence.
As you progress through your Topper
career you will get better and better
and I hope a time will come for all of
you when you are so good at starting
that you feel sorry for those who
choose to start next to you. You know
you will come out ahead and they will
spend time in your dirty wind!
Have fun.
Dave Cockerill
RYA National Coach
Sailing Solutions Tip Starting
7
Preparation
3. Event Preparation/
Sailing Performance
up to an event
1. Boat Preparation
With a decent boat racing becomes
so much easier, knowing your boat
will be the last one to break in the
fleet. Knowing that even if it does
break it will still be able to finish the
race on backups and you will always
have the spares you need. Having
these thoughts in the back of your
mind and not having to worry about
things going wrong gives you an
edge above the rest and allows you
to concentrate on racing. Sailing is
an expensive sport but this can be
thought of in a different way.
You enter a World Championship,
you travel there, you pay for the
accommodation and food etc.
Pay for training costs all of this
comes to hundreds of £’s.
What is an extra £10 for a cleat to
allow your kicker to work properly
which could be the difference
between winning and losing.
For those thinking that boat prep
doesn’t concern them as they are
perhaps not as far forward in the
fleet then you’re wrong. Racing is
much closer in the middle of the
fleet than towards the front.
An extra 3 boat lengths in the
middle could add up to get you
15 places at a mark say, however at
the front of the fleet it would only
get you no more than 2 or 3.
By turning up to an event with a
boat that is not as good as it could
be you are already giving away places
before you’ve even started.
Control the things that you can and
don’t worry about the rest as you
can’t control it anyway. New boats
aren’t needed as toppers are such
a durable boat. With the right amount
of work and maintenance you could
make the oldest boat in the fleet a
winning boat.
8
Preparation up to an event
List of recommended
spares to take to the
water-dry bag or even
better in buoyancy aid:
• 4-5m of rope
• Variety of different shapes and sizes
of hooks
• Variety of different shapes and sizes
of shackles
• Bung
• Knife
• Tape
Per group on a rib:
•
•
•
•
•
Boom (rigged)
Kicker (rigged)
Downhaul (rigged)
Foils - they have been known to break
Spare drinks and food
2. Fitness
Yet again another thing you can
control and gives you an edge on your
competitors. Being fit means you can
forget about the pain in your legs and
arms and concentrate on making the
boat go as quick as you can and look
to take every opportunity as it comes.
How fit do you need to be?
“Fit enough to be sailing up the last
beat of the last race as hard as you
did up the first beat of the first race”
Jim Saltonstall. Fitness isn’t just
relevant to heavy winds,
so if you’re bigger
and stronger than
most and think
that by being in
a topper which
you can cope with
in strong winds
means you don’t
have to be fit just
because of your
physical size is
enough to cope
then you’re wrong.
Firstly this won’t help you in
your next class of boat as you then
won’t be fit for that but also fitness
applies in light winds as well.
Fitness can be broken down into
three categories: aerobic, strength
and being mentally aware and less
fatigue from other days is also to
do with fitness. Being such a big
topic it would take too long to go
into further detail, however, those
of you who don’t have access to
coaches etc. or just want to know
a bit more, this website is best:
www.skandiateamgbr.com/sport/
Pages/thesport.aspx
It goes into further detail about the
different types of exercises, the
different kinds of fitness that you
need in sailing and the benefits from
them. For those who want to have
a real edge will do what it says.
Some things you could
be doing:
• Putting together your own
training program
• Joining local sports groups
• Joining the local gym
Example of training program
Just turning up to an event isn’t
enough. Preparation should start
months before, I remember reading
somewhere once that each race
is won about 6 months before it
takes place. All the hard work is done
before the events, the racing can be
made so easy with the right way of
thinking and the right preparation.
Race as you train and train as you
race, most of you will of heard it
before but its so true. To me winning
the worlds was just like winning a
race in training and felt no better
because this is all I did. If you have
the determination to succeed then it
can happen it’s just a matter of how.
Maybe it’s something getting you
motivated to get out of bed and go for
a run, most people use the thought
of winning to drive and motivate
them. Last year, for me it was the
fear of losing, knowing that if I didn’t
get fit and do core stability, nail my
boat handling and speed, and have a
reliable quick boat, and somebody else
did, they would have already had a
head start on me and I would be giving
away boat lengths on the racecourse.
Rough guide to what you
could-should be doing:
6 months out
• Accommodation
• Analyse Sailing Instructions
• Enter the event
3 months out
• Fitness
• Conformations e.g. flights/
accommodation etc
• Spares
The week
• Boat check
• Food and drink
• Forecast
Event 3 days
• Travel
• Forecast
• Bed
• Food
• Injury free
• Hydrate well (constant)
Launching time
• Get up and ready
• Arrive
• Rig up and check
• Food and drinks in boat and spares
on rib etc
• Boat first on slip
• Get changed and take spare clothing
and a jacket for way out/in
• Warm up and mobility exercises
• Trolley
• Sign on/Tally on
• Check notice board
• Personal time (listen to music
etc. prepare)
• Rig up and focus on the task in hand
Boat check overnight
• Bung
• Controls
• Screws
• Foils
• Self bailer
• Mast-step
• Wheels
• Weed
• Lube
• Flight colour
• Smooth Rolled sail
• Tape on shackles
• Tape on mast
• Drinks
• Get rid of water
(in case it freezes overnight)
Event preparation isn’t just on the
venue and the how you prepare
yourself. This is only a very small part
of it. The biggest and most important
thing you should be doing is hours on
the water. The 420 youth squad were
asked at their first camp after winter to
write down how many hours of sailing
they think they had done. Most were
coming out with 15-30. Mike Wood
and Hugh Brayshaw managed 60+.
It is really what makes the difference
on the course. Are you the type of
person who goes sailing without a
clear idea of what you want to achieve,
what your goals are?
Do you turn up on a
free sailing day with
40 minutes until the
first race? Or are you
the type who puts in
3 hours before people
even arrive at the club
and have a crack at
your goals from your
last session?
A good idea is to fill in a diary after
every training session to lay out what
you did, what you got out of it and as
a result what your goals are for next
session. It is also a good idea to note
down the conditions and settings
you used if they were quick so when
those conditions next occur your can
repeat them. Doing this also helps
to not repeat silly mistakes like not
checking how many laps you had to
do or what the start/ finish mark was.
You can write down your mistake and
therefore hopefully remember it next
time. Something I’ve learnt recently is
the importance of having a checklist
eliminating the chance of forgetting
things. The best way is to have one for
a one day regatta, one for a weekend
and one for say 1-2 weeks regatta.
Here’s one of mine
One of the best
ways to improve
your sailing is
not just to go
sailing. You have
to analyse your
sailing, good
points and bad.
Try breaking it
down into main
sections, then
with smaller
sections and
even smaller,
e.g. Boat speed;
upwind; waves
and strong wind.
This can be
taken into much
further detail
and is the best/
quickest way to
improve your
performance. I
would recommend
re-doing your analysis’s every one
or two months, or after every time
you see a drastic improvement in
performance. Good luck!
Elliot Hanson
Topper National Series, Inland,
National and World Champion 2008
Preparation up to an event
9
Tuning your Topper
with a roll of tape!
What can you do to
tune your Topper?
It’s not a case of getting the right mast
rake along with the right rig tension.
Such joys come when you move class.
The following as the title suggests
is what you can do with a basic
Topper making things a better fit
using a roll of tape and so improve
the boat’s performance.
The Mast
There are three main areas, which
can be improved upon. The first and
this I think is almost universally the
case across most of the championship
topper fleet is to tape the joint between
the lower mast section and the upper
mast section. Standard electrician’s
tape wound into 2 separate bands
approximately 250mm apart takes out
the play between the 2 spars producing
a spar, which bends much more evenly.
Photo. 1 and 2. This will improve the
sail-shape, as there are no sudden kinks
to the spar caused by the joint.
1
2
The second area is to improve the joint
The third area is the very foot of the
where the mast gate fits around the
mast where it sits in the mast cup.
Again by using a hard finished
mast. There is always a sloppy fit at
this point. Again tape can be used to
tape around the mast foot, the play
improve this joint to take out any play
where the mast sits in the cup can
between the mast and the gate.
be reduced. Photo. 4 and 5.
50mm wide tape is best, try to get
some tape with a relatively hard finish
to it. The trick here is to carefully stick
some tape back to back so the tape
does not actually stick to the mast.
Then carefully wrap the tape around
the mast so that it produces a
revolving sleeve. Increase the number
of layers until you have a good fit
5
between mast and gate. The ‘tape
sleeve’ needs to be held in position
The tape wears away fairly quickly
by wrapping another band of tape
so needs to be replaced after every
just above the ‘tape sleeve’. Standard
days sailing. Another good idea
electrician’s tape is okay for this.
before using tape at this point is to
Photo. 3 and 5.
get your boat a
‘... a roll of tape
A good liberal spray
new mast cup.
and so improve the
with ‘Pro-lube’
They tend to get
boat’s performance’
helps the revolving
misshapen and
sleeve. You might also try cutting the
damaged; tearing the tape around
revolving sleeve out of a plastic milk
the mast foot, liberal spraying of this
bottle, and tape this in place.
area with Pro-lube helps the mast to
revolve. Don’t forget to wash out the
mast cup regularly of sand grit and
be careful stepping the mast into the
boat so as not to pick up sand and
grit from the dinghy park.
Connecting the mast to the hull
in this way can only improve the
performance of your Topper, the rig
becomes as one with the boat.
3
Without tape in waves the mast
seems to slop around all over the
place especially in light winds and a
swell. That feeling of the rig toppling
over has just got a lot better. Gust
response is improved transferring
the power from the rig to the hull and
forward motion. The mast will also be
stiffened because it is being supported
at the gate level, giving less low down
bend and hence more power from the
4
lower part of the sail.
10 Tuning your Topper with a roll of tape!
The Hull
Bladder
There are many guys in the Topper
fleet taping up the centreboard case
joint with brown parcel tape (Photo. 6)
or try the White Mylar Cover Tape
that’s available, it’s used on 420
and 470’s, around the slot gasket.
The tape smooths out the centreboard
case cover plate joint to improve the
racing finish to the hull. It would appear
to give a performance benefit but there
are problems. I personally feel that
water gets trapped inside the bladder
box and as such needs somewhere
to get out, which it cannot if you have
taped the joint up. I also noticed that
a lot of sand and grit gets trapped
behind the tape. This along with
damage caused by pulling your boat
on and off a trolley means the tape is
easily scuffed and must be replaced
immediately otherwise the damaged
tape will disturb the flow of water, just
what you didn’t want. If you feel it is a
good idea you will continue to use it,
but be careful to check on the condition
of the tape on a regular basis.
These are an often-overlooked item
on most Toppers. Yet can be critical
to good performance. If you have not
expanded the bladders using boiling
water you must
‘... many guys in the
The lower pintle has
fit the ‘pro-grip’ to
Topper fleet taping up the a nylon bush which
the inside surface
centreboard case joint with needs to be replaced
of the bladders.
brown parcel tape’
if there are signs of
This gives the
excessive wear. Once
benefit of holding the centreboard
you have your rudder system free from
in the ‘up position’ on down-wind
vibrations do not go and hang the trailer
legs but also reduces the amount of
board from the pintles as this causes
play between the bladders and the
more damage to the gudgeon and pintle
centreboard for the upwind leg.
on the transom, especially as you drive
Whilst you are fitting the ‘pro-grip’
down the bumpy road to some of our
check to see how well the bladders fit
least accessible sailing clubs.
in the hull recess. There is generally
still quite a bit of movement. First tape
the 2 bladders together to make 1 unit.
Then by attaching tape to the side or
the end surfaces make the bladders a
tight fit back in the hull recess.
6
Make sure that the rudder-retaining
clip still clicks into place. This tape
needs to be replaced every day at the
Championships or every time you visit
an open event.
The Rudder
There is always a lot of play in
the rudder system. The top pintle
on the rudderstock just does not
fit the gudgeon on the transom.
Again electrician’s tape can be used
successfully to take out any of the
slack. Some people have even tried
using PTFe tape for a super smooth fit.
Carefully wrap tape around the rudder
pintle so that the rudder is then a push
fit onto the transom.
8
As with the rig, reducing the amount
of play in the parts that go under
water again will produce a boat
speed advantage.
It’s worth experimenting with different
types and qualities of tape. A visit to
your local hardware store reveals a
variety of tapes, which can be used
to improve the fit of the parts on
your Topper.
Check out the article:
Measurement Notes – by Ian Cox,
ISAF International. On the ITCA (GBR)
web site. There is a note on the use of
tape on your Topper there.
‘Better performance is
only a roll of tape away’
Alan Gillard
7
Editors comment:
“Thanks to Alan, ex Topper
Parent, for resubmitting this
article previously published
whilst he was active on the
Topper circuit a few years ago”
Tuning your Topper with a roll of tape! 11
All Girls Training
North 1 and 2
I sailed in several North West Junior
Traveller events last year and know a
few of the Topper girls but have not
done much class training so I was
really looking forward to the ‘all girls
training weekends’ and getting to
know the other girls better and to
have a chance to work with Dave
and the other coaches.
There were girls like me who were
not in a Squad but most were from
Zone Squads, JDP and Youth Squad
- it was very exciting!
Saturday started with a briefing when
Dave explained what the weekends
were all about – having fun, making
friends and being more competitive.
He showed us the Nationals results
from last year with
the boys names
coloured blue and
the girls names
in pink – and then
showed us how
different the results
would have been
if each girl had
come three places
better. Clearly, girls
are just as good as
boys at sailing their
boats but maybe
we can learn
something from
them
when we are
The North Girls freezing to death at Rutland!
racing – doing a lot
The first weekend was at Rutland on
more shouting when we have rights and
the 3rd and 4th of January and we
being more assertive can do wonders
were sleeping over at the club on the
for our results! Dave also told us that
Saturday night so I had to remember
girls sail better when they know other
to bring a sleeping bag and PJ’s
sailors in the fleet so getting to know
(and chocolate for
so many North
‘It was hard work but the
a midnight snack!).
girls over the two
Apparently most
waves were great and I really weekends will really
people had to wait in enjoyed sailing on the sea’
help my confidence.
a long queue to get
into the club on Saturday morning as
We were paired up so that each of
the gates were locked but we were a
the less experienced girls had a more
bit late arriving (my dad says that
experienced buddy, the same size as
Tom Tom got lost but my mum says
us, to work with.
that it was something to do with dad’s
sense of direction). By the time we
arrived the car park was full of Toppers
being rigged and girls talking but it
was very cold - only just above freezing!
I recognised some of my friends
but there were lots of girls that I did
not know from all over the North of
England and even from Scotland.
12 All Girls Training
Also there was no wind and the sea
was completely flat but it was great
to see all the other girls again
My buddy was Lucy and the first thing
that we did was rig our boats side by
side so that Lucy could show me how
her boat was rigged and we changed
the way that some of the bits on my
boat were set up to make me faster.
Then we launched and it was cold...
even in my dry suit!
At the end of Saturday afternoon it was
so cold that anybody who capsized
ended up with ice on their sail!
We practised starts and light wind
techniques. Our buddies coached us
on the water and helped us improve
really quickly.
We all came in feeling very cold but
after some nice hot food from the
Galley we were ready to get back into
the classroom for the last session of
the day. Later in the evening we played
table football and other fun games
until bed-time and ‘lights out’!
The next day was cold too – we had to
chip ice off bits of our boats before we
could put the masts up and some of
the girls had to take their mainsheets
into the shower to thaw them as they
were frozen solid! Lots of us had ice
forming on our sails too as we were
sailing along but we managed to do a
lot of good sailing on Sunday including
a ‘silly race’ where we had to stand
on the foredeck for the start! Then it
was time to pack up, say goodbye to
everyone and head off home.
The second weekend was at Pwllheli
in February and I was really looking
forward to sailing in waves as I had
not sailed on the sea before.
Dave had sent us some tips the week
before about sailing in strong winds
and waves as the forecast was for
a windy weekend. But as we drove
closer to the club on the Saturday
morning it got foggier and foggier
and when we got there it was hard
to see even just across the car-park.
While we had been sailing the tide
had gone right out so it was a very
long way back to the dinghy park.
It was really hard work pulling my
Topper across the sand but thankfully
As we could not go sailing, we spent
the day doing all sorts of interesting
all the parents had come down to the
stuff – like building a human pyramid
beach to help and one of the other
three people high! We worked with
girls Mum pulled my boat with me
while my Dad was helping take empty
Toppers on their trolleys in the dinghy
park to look at start-line technique and
trolleys down the beach to meet the
trigger-pulls and we
other girls coming
‘What the weekends
also learned loads
in. I think that I am
were all about – having fun, going to have to
of new tips about
making friends and being get extra fit for the
boat preparation.
more competitive’
We worked in the
Nationals in August!
class-room until quite late
and watched videos of sailing –
I had a wonderful time at both
my favourite was Felicity doing a port
weekends. Dave and the coaches and
the mums and dads on Safety Boat
flyer at the Winter Regatta! After that
we had tea in the clubhouse (the food
(or looking after us all on the shore)
was really good at Pwllheli too!)
were really nice. I learned loads and
made lots of new friends that I can’t
and then I remembered that I had not
brought my trainers and so my dad
wait to meet up with in the dinghy
park at events later this year.
ended up driving me round loads of
supermarkets trying to buy some as
The boys had better watch out
Dave wanted us to go on a run on
when the North girls are about!
Sunday morning. But the shops were
either closed or didn’t sell trainers so
Abi Easton
we went back to the hotel (Lucy had
Photos by Dave Cockerill
forgotten her joggers but her Dad took
and Tim Yeates
her to Asda early so she was okay!).
There were lots of us staying at the
same hotel so Lucy, Rachel and I went
to Lucy’s room and did our homework
while the Dads sat in Rachel’s room
talking to someone called Merlot.
When we got to the club on Sunday
morning it was already quite windy but
first we had to go for our run (thanks to
Grace’s mum for lending me her shoes
so that I did not have to run in my
Uggs!) and then into the classroom for
the briefing. Then we went sailing!
We sailed for three hours in a building
breeze – we worked in our groups
and did lots of boat handling drills
and mark-roundings. It was hard
work but the waves were great and
I really enjoyed sailing on the sea.
We swapped boats with friends a
couple of times to have a rest.
I capsized a few times and managed
to bend my mast in one of them
- still I had been trying to get dad to
buy me a new rig for a while so now
he has no excuse!
Notes sent to Dave Cockerill
after the weekends
• “Brilliant fun but best of all I didn’t
break my nails”
• “Thanks also for an excellent
weekend at Hayling.
After Weymouth, these weekends
have made a tremendous
difference to ............ not just in
sailing ability but her whole attitude
to the Topper world, events,
meeting mates etc. She has become
very positive and a real ‘want’ to do
it, not just something her parents
think she should do”
• “I learned a lot and am hoping to
try out some of the tactics at the
next event. Watch out boys the
girls are coming”
• “I have had a great time at the
training and have made lots of
new friends”
• “The girls week-ends have been
amazing and so much fun. We learnt
a lot and had great fun particularly
doing the silly race”
• “It was a really fun weekend and
I made loads of friends!”
• “A fantastic experience with
outstanding coaches who will all
ways help whatever standard with
good exercises to pull your results
up the table!”
• “All girls training is awesome,
it helps you to make friends and
teaches you a lot along the way,
even how to beat the boys!!!”
• “I found everyone very welcoming
and soon made lots of friends,
I learnt loads about sailing and really
enjoyed the whole experience”
• “this has been a great experience,
I have made lots of new friends and
know I will do better in the topper
from now on”
• “Thank you so much for the fantastic
weekend!!!!!!!!! It was brilliant!
I absolutely loved all of it!
The sailing was amazing, especially
on Sunday afternoon! What force
wind was it on Sunday afternoon?
I made loads of new friends which
is a first for me because normally
I’m too scared to speak to anyone”
• “Thank you so much for last
weekend in Weymouth. I had such a
brilliant time I had no idea that I was
going to enjoy myself so much”
All Girls Training 13
Craftinsure
National Series 1
Rutland Sailing Club
18th and 19th April 2009
A record entry for the 1st event in the Topper National
Series, organised by ITCA and sponsored by Craftinsure,
saw 200 Topper dinghies converge on Rutland SC on the
weekend of 18th and 19th April from all over the UK.
The organisation that takes place to get 200 boats into
the dinghy park then onto the foreshore in one morning
has to be slick and that is the only way to describe the
superb organisation that Rutland SC provided with
marshalling of cars from the drop off point, swiftly onto
the car park which made space for more boats to rig.
Approximately 198 eager sailors attended the 10:30am
briefing and were introduced to the PRO for the event,
Steve Tylecote, here they were told that the wind was
up and expected to increase further. There was also a
warning that a cold wind chill would be experienced, that
the water was cold and to avoid the passenger ferry, The
Rutland Belle which had right of way at all times. There
was additional tactical advice about the wind shadow in the
region of the Tower and that from time to time the lake was
aerated which resulted in upflows of water!!. An 11:30am
launch in time for a 12:00pm start to race one was planned
and the sailors were told that due to lighter airs being
forecast for Sunday, the PRO may go for 4 races back to
back on Saturday so stock up on snacks and liquids.
2 sailors from the Northwest were unlucky enough
to experience the aftermath of the closure of the M6, this
led to a painfully slow exit off the Motorway and an arrival
at the lake at 11:00am – a mobile call gathered a welcoming
committee of volunteers which saw the boats starting to
come off the trailer as the wheels stopped turning, the back
of the car had already become the changing room and it
is testament to the friendliness of the class that Abi and
Megan were able to launch amongst the 1st on the water at
11:30am – nice one guys! The launch took place with the aid
of Water Marshalls in drysuits as waves were building in the
onshore NE Force 4 gusting to Force 5 (18 - 22 mph),
a wind speed that stayed constant for the whole day
The 200 sailors were split into flights
and each race was split into 2,
therefore each had 2 x 1st places,
2 x 2nds etc. The 4 races that took
place on the 1st day saw 4 different
winners with Mickey Beckett (3)
Felicity Foulds (2) Christopher Eames
(2) and Robbie Gilmore (1) taking
these positions. This gave Mickey the
overnight lead from Felicity, the stage
was set for the final 2 races on Sunday.
Sunday dawned with slightly less wind,
approximately 11mph NE at launch
which started to slowly fade as the
day wore on but the brilliant sunshine
was a real bonus to the travelling
parents onshore. Race 5 got underway
eventually, several General Recalls were
required and a total of 16 sailors were
shown the black flag, maybe they were
pushing the line to the limit or maybe it
was the updraft from the water authority
aeration that was warned about at the
briefing that dragged them over the
line! Race 5
wins went to Andrew Bridgman and
Tom Sully whilst Race 6 was dominated
by the girls with Felicity Foulds and
Lucy Jackson each taking a win.
The final standings saw Felicity take
the event from Andrew Bridgman who
showed remarkable consistency and
overnight leader Mickey Beckett in third.
It was noticeable that many of the
lighter weight helms improved their
overnight standings and the overall
standard of sailing was of a very high
quality, this is a highly competitive
fleet but one that willingly accepts
those sailors that have less experience.
Its worth mentioning that the Topper
is not just for the youngsters, there
were 8 adults vying for the adult prize
which was won by Clive Jackson in
56th place just above Katy Shepherd
of Craftinsure who came in 57th.
Adult sailor Clare Bennet-Lloyd was
taking part in her 1st Topper event,
her daughter Bryony (70th) managed
to stay ahead in the rankings.
At the prizegiving, Steve Tylecote
praised the class and competitors
and welcomed them back for future
events. Spot Prizes are handed at
regular intervals through the fleet in
addition to the top 20 helms being
rewarded for their efforts.
Next event in the Craftinsure National
series is at Derwent Reservoir SC
on the weekend of 20th June –
plenty of time to practise at
Topper Traveller events all over
the UK in the meantime.
A few words of support from Katy at Craftinsure...
I’ve not sailed my Topper for nearly a year now,
so I thought the first Craftinsure National Series event
at Rutland would be a good event to get back into it.
Well what can I say; it was fantastic to see so many of
you there and you should all be ever so proud of being
part of the phenomenon that is Topper!
All of you deserve a Gold Medal for persevering with
all four races on the Saturday especially if it was your
first big event; I couldn’t manage it, had to come in
after the third race and was in bed by 9:30pm.
Parents (as you young at heart parents racing will
understand) it was hard work out on the water, trust me.
I am still amazed how the standard of racing jumps
to another level year after year; the highly structured
training now available must be to thank and has come
a long way since I was in the Topper National Squad,
many moons ago. Well done to all concerned.
Yet another great event hosted by Rutland SC
and I hope to see you all at the next Craftinsure
National Series event at Derwent Reservoir in June!
24 Regional
14
Craftinsure
Round
National
Ups...Series 1
Craftinsure
Regional
National
Round
Series
Ups...
1 15
25
Magic Marine Topper
Inland Championships 2009
Grafham Water SC
Once the briefing
The wind remained
fickle in strength
was over it was
2nd and 3rd May 2009
evident that the
and wandered in
Saturday 2nd May 2009 – 275 sailors
light 5/6mph
direction through
from all around the UK had entered
forecast was
this race but Finn
for the Magic Marine Topper Inland
Lynch took the
missing and
Championships at Grafham Water
an indefinite
win from Felicity
Sailing Club and the morning was
postponement was
Foulds and Lucy
taken up with preparing their boats
called before the
Jackson in the
for action on this fine sailing water.
first flight with
planned 12:00 noon
start, this gave the The Winning Bidders
Alexander Alcock
At the 10:30am competitor briefing
taking the second flight from
sailors some time to
the Commodore, Hilary Talbot,
socialise, play football, tune their boats
Henry Wetherell and James Wilson.
was pleased to welcome the
and rest in readiness for the sailing.
Topper fraternity for the 22nd time at
The wind decided not to play ball and
Grafham and the Principal race Officer,
At 1:25pm the tannoy announced
this was the only race that got started
John Smalley was introduced to warm
for crews to man the Committee and
on day 1, the forecast for Sunday was
applause. John spoke of the need the
much improved so the fleet headed for
rescue boats, the PRO had spotted
know the numeral pennants which
some wisps of breeze and wanted to
shore to a series of Barbecues, plenty
were used to indicate the number
be ready to use them if they developed
more socialising and the legendary
of laps/beats to be
Topper Auction that was taking place
into anything
‘... these guys are
sailed, he also said
decent. The regatta
to raise funds for training. Topper
that he would be
fl
eet
launched
fi
rst
International had donated a brand
now good Racers’
whistling at sailors
and managed to
new boat, many other supporters of
who were on the line between 2 and 3
the Topper class also supplied valued
get a race started with barely enough
minutes before the start, he hoped to
wind to move. The main fleet launched
items – the Sunday Briefing was to be
avoid the blackflag.
in similar light conditions and when
at 9:15am.
the wind fixed its direction and
The class judge was introduced, he
Sunday – “a different day” was
strength to an acceptable level the first
would be on the water to ensure fair
the description of Charles Glover,
set of flights managed to get a start to
play, to watch for rule infringements
Race 1 at 3:25pm with the second set
Topper Class Chairman in the morning
and to help the fleet to improve their
of flights shortly afterwards.
briefing.
knowledge of the rules.
He was referring to the wind that had
arrived overnight in abundance, the
local forecast was for 20 - 25mph and
the white horses indicated that the
breeze certainly was up – he continued
to say that there is no shame in reefing
for the smaller helms and 3 back to
back races would be held.
was required, John mentioned that
the fleet was making good use of the
whistle between the 3 and 2 minutes,
they would come up to the line when
there was an evident sag and use
the whistle as an audible aid to get a
transit – this is a fleet that learns fast.
The wind held steady until after the
1st flight had started race 3, a short
The previous evenings class auction
raised £2,332 for training
postponement was needed whilst the
funds and the sailors were told
line angle was adjusted prior to the
last start of the day.
that Janet Newton
‘... preparing their boats
had contacted
The wind remained
for action on this
Jonathan Ross
strong enough to
fine sailing water’
on his Saturday
sort out the pack
morning radio show and chatted
with the rescue boats being used
about the event for 8 minutes on air!!
to mop up the occasional boat that
needed assistance.
The fleet launched on time with the
aid of the parental support crew,
There were race wins for Youth Squad
many of whom were in drysuits under
sailor Peter Newbery (2), Alexander
the supervision of the beachmaster
Alcock, Christopher Eames, Michael
Martin Pavey. The committee boat
Beckett and Alex Benbow. With an
recorded a steady wind of 14 - 22mph
additional 2nd place the event was
with occasional stronger gusts
won by Peter Newbery 1 point clear
throughout the race period and the
of Alexander Alcock with Christopher
PRO reported excellent Fleet starting.
Eames 3rd in some fascinating, close
races. This is the 1st win of a major
event by a Youth Squad sailor under
Only 3 boats were logged OCS in all
three races and no Black flag
head coach Ian Patience who was a
very proud man that evening.
At the prizegiving Charles Glover
thanked the many helpers that make
these events happen, he particularly
thanked John Smalley for making the
best of the wind that appeared,
John in turn thanked the sailors for
coming to the committee boat to have
a chat about the way the racing was
going, he remarked that this enforces
the claim that the Topper Class is the
friendly class. Dave Cockerill remarked
after the event that the quality of the
sailors in the Topper fleet has always
been high but he is noticing that there
is now a difference, the quality of the
Racing is becoming very high further
down the fleet, not just at the top end
– these guys are now good Racers.
The 15 strong Regatta fleet, which is
where many of the main fleet sailors
cut their racing teeth, was won by
Elliot Kusyk from Luke Berry 2nd and
Cathryn Brady 3rd. It has to be noted
that one member of this fleet has been
in a supporting role at Topper events
for quite some time, she finally took to
the water and had her best race when
she forgot about her mobile phone
that was left onshore – she worked out
that texting would best done on the
downwind leg – nice one Carol!!
Results
Main Fleet
www.sailracer.co.uk/sailwavepreview.asp?status=0andusr=srandevent=6129
Regatta Fleet
www.sailracer.co.uk/sailwavepreview.asp?status=0andusr=srandevent=6136
Tim Yeates
Bill Brassington the Chief Auctioneer
Peter Newbery the Magic Marine Topper Inland Champion 2009
16 Magic Marine Topper Inland Championships 2009
Photos by Peter Newton, Jack Payne,
Charles Glover and Tim Yeates
Magic Marine Topper Inland Championships 2009 17
Crewsaver ITCA
National Youth Squad
It can happen!
There comes a time in any coach’s life when one sailor
will make you shed a tear, this could be for many reasons,
the obstacles that they have overcome or through
dedication and hard work to reach their goal.
Well this year at the Topper Inland Championships this is
exactly what happened, when Peter Newbury was crowned
Inland Champion, and yes, I was very emotional and did
shed a tear, not that anyone saw.
I was extremely proud of Peter and what he achieved, but
not only for Peter, but what he stood for, showing what can
be achieved, within the class squads. I know that all sailors
in class or RYA squads work hard to develop their racing
skills to improve and reach their goals.
Peter is 16 and decided to stay in his Topper longer because
he knew he had more to give and enjoyed the fellowship
that the class offers. For me it was a goal that I set myself
when I took over as Head Coach of the National Youth Squad
in 2006, that we would produce, as a team, a Champion.
The final icing on
the cake for me was
that all the squad
members shared
Peter’s joy and were
so pleased for him.
Well done Peter
and well deserved
Ian Patience - Head Coach Crewsaver National Youth Squad
Photo by Jack Payne - The Winner gets a dunk
Lessons from Grafham
Lessons
It was a classic case of the wrong place at the wrong time.
There I was, the class judge, standing outside the clubhouse
and he comments to his mate, who was filling out a protest
form for another incident –“I’ll be disqualified anyway –
I hit a mark and didn’t do my turns – if I’m disqualified my
dad can’t get on my case”
Wrong, wrong, WRONG! Someone has not noticed the bit
in the book that comes before all the others and defines
Sportsmanship. When it first came in it was supposed to be
printed in a big black box, so that everyone would notice it.
Unfortunately, people seem to pay less and less attention to
it these days. Have a look, part of it says:“A fundamental principal of sportsmanship is that when
competitors break a rule they will promptly take a penalty”
The protest, therefore, for hitting a mark and not taking
a penalty, will not be under rule 31, Touching a Mark,
but under Rule 2 Fair Sailing. Given the preamble to the
Racing Rules of Sailing, if you are aware that you hit the
mark and don’t take your penalty you clearly violate the
recognised principles of sportsmanship and fair play
and the penalty for this infringement is a disqualification
which cannot be excluded from your score -(DNE)
Another lesson
One young lady had an incident before the start which
broke her tiller. She wanted average points for the race
in which she could not compete.
We couldn’t give it because she could not identify the boat
which had collided with her. Learn the Lesson - You must
identify the boat you are protesting. Without doing so,
you cannot get redress for any damage they may have caused,
or exoneration, if they have forced you to break a rule.
So, have a soft pencil, or a chinagraph pencil, or work
something out with your coach, so that you can recall
their number.
Technically, you can protest an unknown boat – the protest
is valid if it identifies the incident - but before the hearing
you must identify the boat you are protesting. Without it,
the protest is not valid and there is no hearing about the
incident. All hearings open with determining the validity
of the protest, if the protest is not valid the hearing closes
once this has been determined.
Sailing Solutions Topper
4.2 National Championships
The 2009 Sailing Solutions Topper National Championships
was held over the weekend of 2nd and 3rd May at
Grafham Water Sailing Club. Sailors from England,
Wales, Scotland and Ireland arrived to take place with
nearly as many girl entries as boys. After a light wind
race on Saturday that was won by Dan Venables from
Rory Humphries and Laura Gilmore the fleet went ashore
to await the following days forecast higher winds.
Sunday was different, this was definitely 4.2 weather as
the wind blew 14 - 22mph, the 4.2 is a great sail for the
smaller helm as it lets them take part in competitive
racing when the larger rig would be too powerful.
The fleet headed out with smiling faces for the racing that
was held on the same course as the Magic Marine Topper
Inland Championships – the startline was made a little
shorter than that needed for the main 130 boat flights.
Dan had a bit of a wake up call by coming 3rd in the
1st race of the day but he managed a bullet in the next
race and came ashore for a little gear repair before going
back out to take the win in the last race. This ensured that
Dan Venables became Topper 4.2 National Champion,
a strong performance by Laura Gilmore in 2nd and
Joanne Foster in 3rd but it was to be a boys win for a
change, girls have been successful in the last 2 Nationals.
Dan was presented with the magnificent Sailing Solutions
National Championship trophy which I can vouch for
weighing nearly as much as he does, he also received
the rather generous prize of a new full size sail from the
kind folk at Sailing Solutions.
Photos by Tim Yeates
Without a valid protest the protest committee will be unable
to determine which boat was breaking a rule of part 2.
Remember, Rule 14 requires you, even if you are the right
of way boat, to try and avoid contact if you possibly can.
You could be the boat infringing a rule of part 2 if there
was damage.
Also, redress requires that your score has been made worse,
through no fault of your own, failure to bring a valid protest
is your fault and therefore part of the reason for your poor
score – another reason why you will not get redress.
Learn, understand and enjoy.
Nigel Vick - Topper Class Judge
18 Crewsaver ITCA National Youth Squad + Lessons from Grafham
Sailing Solutions Topper 4.2 National Championships 19
Inlands and Nationals
Photos
Photos by Peter Newton
and Tim Yeates
20 Inlands and Nationals Photos
Inlands and Nationals Photos 21
Winter Training
Photos
Photos from around the squads
22 Winter Training Photos
Winter Training Photos 23
Craftinsure 2009
Topper National Event
Come and sample
Helensburgh’s
New Sailing
Club and
Superb Scottish
Hospitality
I have just spent two days at the well
attended, and run, Topper Inland
Championships at Grafham Water,
in amongst the throng of 280 Topper
Sailors and their respective entourage!
Whilst wondering how my son was
faring in the gusty Sunday conditions,
without the binos, and witnessing so
many of the spectators with the binos,
I wondered how do we encourage
this many competitors north of the
border. So pen and paper at the ready
and a quick chat with Susan and Tim
the Topper Times editor panic set in
as the deadline for the next issue is
already overdue! My job as a Topper
parent and member of Helensburgh
Sailing Club is to try and entice all you
supportive Topper Class people to
come North of the border in October,
and spend your half term languishing
in the foot hills of the Highlands.
The 5th Nationwide this season is
being held at Helensburgh Sailing
Club. Helensburgh for those who
haven’t been before is not far of the
centre of the UK! Charles said at
the parents meeting at the Inlands
that Rutland was close to the centre
of the UK!
Taking into account that Shetland is in
the UK the midway point is nearer the
Lake district and we are only a “wee”
bit further north than that!!! So don’t
delay, pen Helensburgh into your
diary and come on up!
Some more information to entice
you up! We have a fantastic
new clubhouse, which is due for
completion in the next few weeks!
Topper Sailors in front of the
old clubhouse
New Clubhouse
Scenic Sailing Topper Training
Club Night (below)
24 Craftinsure 2009 Topper National Event
The new clubhouse is almost twice as
big as the old one and has many new
features! We have under floor heating
throughout, great for drying the wet
gear! The clubhouse has a superb
new kitchen manned by an army of
fabulous cooks and bakers so they will
keep everybody well fed with yummy
grub over the weekend. The new bar
will be stocked with fine “Scottish”
Ales and Malts for you to try! The
plan is to have you all up dancing at
our relaxed Ceilidh after some supper
and to invite the over 18’s to a whisky
tasting challenge! The under 18’s will
have to keep the dance floor full and
let the oldies get their breath back
whilst challenging their taste buds!
Helensburgh has a great Hall of Fame:
Mike McIntyre Olympic Gold Medallist,
round the world yachts woman
Emma Richards, current Olympic
team manager Stephen Park,
Charlotte Dobson Olympic Squad,
current youth sailor Lorenzo Chiavarini
recently moved to Laser 4.7 National
Youth Squad from Toppers.
The club has hosted many National
and some World events over the
years, the key ones are listed on
the clubs website.
So guys have a look at our website
www.helensburghsailingclub.co.uk,
watch the clubhouse progress to its
official opening and come and try it
out in October.
www.stayatlochlomond.com/
loch-lomond-accommodation
Try this website for places to stay.
There will be spaces to park for
camper vans and tents in a field
close by for a small facility fee!
Fiona Kilgore
Topper Winter Regatta
Weymouth
Successful Weekend at Weymouth
First Magic Marine Winter Regatta
118 sailors arrived on a pleasingly warm and dry Saturday
for the first Magic Marine Winter Regatta at Weymouth and
Portland Sailing Academy on the 14th February.
The wind was light and not forecast to improve through
the day, but the fleet launched on time and headed off for
the first race. With the fickle winds dropping, the first race
lasted rather longer than usual throwing up pleasing results
for some of the sailors, though not for others. The race
officer managed to squeeze in a second race and it was
Felicity Foulds (Norfolk Broad YC) who dominated the day
with two first places. As the wind died off completely racing
was abandoned for the day and the fleet was towed back in.
Sunday dawned with no improvement in the wind, but a
better forecast. As the fleet readied the wind filled in and the
sailors took to the water. During the morning the wind then
strengthened making for some good racing in the harbour.
The fortunes of some of the sailors were reversed in the
steadier breeze and the race officer completed the three
planned races of the day. Felicity Foulds picked up where
she left off the previous day and put in three first places,
leaving her in the enviable position of being able to
discard a first place! At the end of racing the remaining
first six places were: 2nd Andrew Bridgman (Blithfield),
3rd Alexander Alcock (Hunts SC); 4th and first U14
Henry Wetherell (Beaver SC); 5th Andrew Green (Leigh and
Lowton SC) and in 6th Simon Bennett (Norfolk Broads YC).
Despite the challenging light wind conditions of the first
day, the first Winter Regatta received a big thumbs up from
the competitors with, in addition to the usual top place
prizes, an Endeavour Award that was won by newcomer
Emily White (Castle Cove SC) and a number of spot prizes.
Craftinsure 2009 Topper National Event + Topper Winter Regatta Weymouth 25
Topper Winter Regatta
Bassenthwaite Sailing Club
There was an inevitable delay to the
planned noon start for the 3 races on
Saturday due to the lack of wind,
the PRO Peter Baldwin was waiting
for the forecast wind to arrive whilst
the sailors socialised on shore. After a
postponement, the fleet was launched
to cross the lake in a firm F3 wind,
there remained the risk of fog which
loomed in the surrounding hillsides.
21st and 22nd March 2009
As the race sequence for race 1 got
underway the more inexperienced
among the fleet had an opportunity
to try out their starting technique
on an 80+ boat startline as it took 4
attempts and the black flag to get the
race underway. Race 1 was dominated
by the girls with Felicity Foulds taking
the win from Anna
Ackroyd (shame
about that chipped
nail Anna!)
and West Zone
sailor Lucy Yeates.
85 competitors made their way
to the North Lake District venue
of Bassenthwaite Sailing club on
Race 2 started
Saturday 21st March to take part
in similar wind
in the northern of the 2 ITCA-GBR
conditions but the
organised Topper Winter Regatta
chaps fought back
events for 2009. The competitors
with Andrew Bridgman taking the
were met with a mirror still lake,
win from Michael Beckett ahead
fog rolling off the
‘... each position being fought of Felicity.
nearby mountains
The Black Flag
and a mixture of
for with supreme effort’
caught its first
cooking bacon
casualty as Anna was deemed to have
aromas from the club galley and the
strayed on to the wrong side of the
many motorhomes that had formed
startline during the start sequence.
a village in the club grounds.
26 Topper Winter Regatta Bassenthwaite Sailing Club
There was a change of conditions for
race 3 as the sun came out, the wind
changed direction which necessitated
an adjustment to all the marks.
The wind grew in strength to F4
and from the start Felicity took a
commanding lead that she held to
the finish from Andrew Bridgman and
James Asquith. The fleet sailed in for
a well earned rest prior to the planned
10:00am start on the following day.
Sunday dawned with grey clouds and
wind, gone was the fog threat of the
previous day. Race 4 got underway
close to the planned start time in the
strongest wind of the weekend.
The topper of Megan Adams was seen
returning just after
launching with a
bailer malfunction,
her pit crew of 5
or 6 soon had
a replacement
fitted and in true
Formula 1 fashion
she was on her
way and made
the start.
A steady Force 5 was being recorded
on the committee boat with gusts in
excess of 20knots being recorded on
the race course, during the course
of Race 4 this breeze fell back to
F4/F3 where it remained for the rest
of the day.
It was a great benefit that flights
Felicity started Sunday where she
finished Saturday, winning Race 4
were not required as the single mass
start for each race meant that a
then managing 2nd and 3rd in the final
races to win the whole event by
minimum time was spent between
a comfortable margin.
races, all the
‘... all came off the
planned 6 races
Henry Wetherell took
water smiling,
the remaining 2 wins
were completed.
of the day but this
The cool, varying,
perhaps a little hungry
was not sufficient
shifty breeze with
but most of all hungry
gusts proved a
to get onto the final
for more competition’
podium as Michael
good test for all
Beckett and Andrew Bridgman had
the competitors, the predominantly
performed with sufficient consistency
westerly breeze being fed off the
for the 2 days to edge ahead at the
Irish Sea caused many changes
in position throughout the fleet,
gun. A highlight of the day to the
watching parents and supporters
each position being fought for with
was the cunning and wonderfully
supreme effort. Many of the less
executed port end flyer by Lewis
experienced sailors suffered spills
Kneale in Race 5, Lewis admitted
which will, in time, add to their skills
afterwards to bottling it a little and
– all came off the water smiling,
not quite crossing the whole of the
perhaps a little hungry but most of
fleet but it will undoubtedly remain
all hungry for more competition.
in his memory for some time.
A big thank you to Bassenthwaite
Sailing Club for organising a fantastic
event, great food, great camping,
a beautiful setting and even an
ice-cream van in the dinghy park
on Saturday afternoon, a relaxing
atmosphere that the parents in
particular made the most of.
Full results at: www.sailracer.co.uk
Prizes were awarded down to 15th
position, additionally Dan Venables
was awarded the prize for first U13,
Joe Henderson was 1st U12, Lewis
Tyson was 1st Bassenthwaite sailor,
James Williams came 1st 4.2 rig
and Rory Humphries earned the
endeavour prize.
Photos by Tim Yeates
and John Knapton
Topper Winter Regatta Bassenthwaite Sailing Club 27
Junior Winter Training
Racing in the North Zone
Junior Topper Winter Training
and Racing in the North Zone.
What’s involved?
Its seems like barely five minutes
since the culmination of last year’s
ITCA traveller series held at Pennine
Sailing Club in early October.
We were honoured that day to have
Elliot Hanson, the then current World ,
Inland and National Topper Champion
in attendance to offer support to
and answer questions from aspiring
champions.
This event together with the earlier
Traveller at Ogston and the Northern
Championship held at Scaling Dam
Sailing Club at the end of September
were qualifier events in choosing the
RYA Topper North Zone and National
Squad places so were hotly contested
by some of the best young sailors in
the region.
So what does Zone squad
training involve?
The RYA Zone squad scheme is an
excellent way into getting top notch
coaching and the chance to meet and
sail with other junior sailors throughout
the winter months. There are age limits
on entry which are worth bearing in
mind if parents are contemplating
trying to enter their children into the
squads. Sailors must be up to age 14
on the 31st December to be eligible.
There are also certain events which
must be attended before entry, and
Places are also limited so it is advisable
to plan ahead especially if you wish to
have more than one year in the squad.
This year the cost was £180 to cover
coaching costs which is remarkable
value for money given the high level of
training received. The lead coach this
year was Dave Hivey ably assisted by
Martin Boatman and Emma Clark.
A tad windy Sunderland
We were lucky to have such talented
and enthusiastic coaches in the region.
The squad members all respected their
skills and developed their own sailing
with their expert help and guidance.
18 talented Junior sailors were
eventually chosen for this years squad
now all being entitled to wear a snazzy
RYA Team GB zone squad sweatshirt.
Get a big enough one as with all
sailing gear they seem to grow out of
anything as soon as it’s worn once!
Training started with a Land Based Training
day held in Leeds where sailors and parents
were taken through the programme of
planned training events to be held on
six weekends throughout the region.
At the land day sessions were held advising
on aspects of fitness and nutrition for
sailing which sailors were encourages
to follow throughout the winter training.
Pre-sailing Bacon sandwiches were
soon to be a distant memory with
any future transgressions followed by
Dave or Martins call for 10 press-ups!
Press-ups were to become all too
familiar over the coming months
with some of the squad members
becoming quite expert by the end of
the winter, you know who you are!
Thankfully parents it seems are exempt
and more than made up for their
offspring on the bacon sandwich front.
All squad members have to keep a
training diary to record their progress
and identify training needs and goals.
Each training weekend has several
sessions of theory to absorb so taking
notes was essential to reflect on later.
Sail training sessions over the winter
months require a degree of fortitude
from both sailors and parents alike
but it are especially important that
everyone has the correct Kit before
venturing on the water. Trendy hikers
and wetsuits may not up to the job in
the depths of winter when dry suits and
wooly bears are more appropriate.
The freezing weather for the weekend
at Burton Sailing Club involved defrosting
boats, gear, sailors and parents!
Dry bags to carry food onto the
water are handy especially for longer
sessions and drinks bottles essentials
to take out sufficient fluids for the day.
This year training events took place at
Derwent Reservoir, Burton, Pennine,
Beaver, Sunderland and Northampton
(Combined event with the West Zone
Squad). Thanks to all of these clubs who
made us so welcome over the winter.
It came as a bit of a surprise exactly
what constitutes the “North” when it
comes to the geography of the North
Zone! This was particularly apparent
for those lucky squad members based
at Northampton, (well it has got a
North bit in it), and Rutland, who got
used to the long trek up the A1 on a
regular basis.
At the start of the winter we had
neither a sat nav nor a trailer now both
seen as essential gear.
28 Junior Winter Training Racing in the North Zone
On the trip away to Beaver we had
used the AA route planner typing in
a postcode for the club. Imagine our
surprise to be directed to the middle
of a residential area miles from the
club. Luckily the kind lady coming over
to give directions, having noticed the
Topper on the car roof, turned out to
be the club secretary whose post code
it was, so the mystery was solved.
AA route planning instructions are all
very well until the child navigator and
co-pilot falls asleep on route; late on a
dark winter Friday night!
Parents are encouraged to help out
wherever possible particularly when
launching and recovering boats.
A drysuit or pair of waders are useful
particularly if conditions are tricky.
I have personally discovered that
Barbours high tech breathable chest
high waders are as efficient at keeping
water in, as well as out, having filled
them up during an unscheduled
swim below an errant surfing
Topper hit broadsides on during a
particularly dodgy recovery in the surf
at Sunderland. Sitting in soggy clothes
all day thereafter was not good.
Better plan to assume you might fall
in if you do likewise.
A series of races is held on each of
the training weekends to determine
the team for each regions entry to
the inter Zone Eric Twiname event.
The series results were announced
at the final Zone squad event at
Northampton. Congratulations and
best of luck and to our North Zone
Squad team who are.
Hector Simpson (overall series winner),
Will Alloway, Will Tarn-Chapman,
Harry Hill, Chris Towers,
Bradley Hilton, Laura Carveth-Marshall
and Georgina Clabburn.
ITCA also organised three well attended
open training events over the winter
with 2 open sea training sessions at
Sunderland and a weekend at Ripon.
The conditions were marginal to say
the least on the second Sunderland
weekend but the hardy bunch of young
sailors still managed to get out to sea
for some exciting sessions under the
expert eye of Martin Boatman.
The very warm and dry vantage point
of Sunderland yacht Clubs Bar proved
an excellent point to follow the fun
and games involved in comfort.
Other winter events in the region
included a Boxing Day eye opener
“fun” races help at the Royal
Northumberland yacht Club.
Several squad members attended
on a cold and blustery day with Noah
Knapton winning best Junior Topper
prize. Soup in the cosy clubhouse,
the converted Calshot Lightboat was
very welcome after the event.
The ITCA winter Regatta at
Bassenthwaite attracted a large entry
in March with our North Zone squad
sailors performing very well alongside
older and more experienced sailors.
The winter training now over we look
forward to the forthcoming Traveller
and Nationwide events where our
juniors will be a able to consolidate
and practice their skills for real.
John Knapton
Junior Winter Training Racing in the North Zone 29
ITCA on Show
at the Dinghy Show
With a host of Olympic sailors and the forecast
of even bigger visitor numbers the stage was set
for the 2009 RYA Volvo Dinghy Show.
The ITCA stand attracted lots of interest from people
passing the stand (the free balloons did help a bit!) as
well as those seeking us out on the organised treasure
trail and we signed-up a number of new members who
took advantage of the show offer of reduced membership.
On Saturday morning we made an award to Miles Palmer
who left the class last year having served as class chairman
for 3 years as well as a stint as the SE Regional rep
– it was a great opportunity to thank Miles for all the hard
work he put in to the class over the years – he’s a real
glutton for punishment having now taken on responsibility
as sailing secretary for the 420 class. Good luck Miles!
Perhaps the highlight over the weekend was the prize giving
for the 2008 Craftinsure National Series which took place on
the main stage on Saturday lunchtime – with Paul Goodison
on stage immediately after us, all the seats were full in the
auditorium as the winners were announced.
Helena Lucas who has uniquely campaigned for
team GBR as both an Olympic and paralympic sailor
was on stage to present the prizes along with Mark Lees
from the series sponsor Craftinsure and Charles Glover
ITCA GBR Class Chairman.
Prizes which included new sails kindly sponsored by
Topper International were awarded to Richard Cumpsty
4th overall, Felicity Foulds 3rd overall and first lady, Lorenzo
Chiavarini 2nd overall and the series winner Elliott Hanson.
Well done to all of them!
A big thank you to everyone who helped at the show,
to help make it such a success.
Charles Glover
Miles Palmer
receives his award
Prizegiving for the
2008 Craftinsure
National Series
RYA Community Awards
’Recognising outstanding
contributions within our sport’
Presentations by Princess Anne.
Held at One Great George Street,
Westminster in November 2008
Three members of Redesmere Sailing club, all of whom
are connected with the Topper Class received awards.
Andy Millington, ITCA Rib Master and NW Area
Representative got his award for ‘Outstanding Contribution’,
Peter Baldwin, PRO at Topper events such as the Bassenthwiate
Winter Regatta was rewarded for ‘Lifetime Commitment’
and Tim Lowe, ex Topper squad member received a
‘Youth award’.
Just to complete the embarrassment, Andy was made to
wear a suit and had the following description written in the
event program:
“Andy is a dedicated man with endless time for others.
He has been a great inspiration to many members of
Redesmere sailing club”.
Ian Cox Tribute
Ian came onto the Topper scene as a result of his interest
in sailing which he had passed onto his children. Hannah,
Becky and Andrew were supported by Ian and his late wife
Glynnis and well before Ian became measurer the family
were well known in the Topper Fleet.
Ian and Glynnis always supported the class association
and from when Ian agreed to be measurer for GBR
they both worked hard fine tuning the measurement
systems and incorporated the many changes that took
place. Subsequently Ian became Measurer and Technical
Representative to the International Committee and is a
recognised ISAF measurer.
I have spent many hours in and around sailing clubs with
Ian and his family who were always there to give me a
helping hand at both National and International events.
When Ian decided that he needed to hand over the GBR
position the International Committee were very pleased
that he felt he had the time to continue as the International
Measurer supporting them and all National Topper Class
Associations worldwide.
30 ITCA on Show at the Dinghy Show
As a volunteer
instructor,
Andy spends
many hours each
week instructing
or coaching at the
club and supports
junior members
who are making
their first venture
into racing away from their home club. Further to his sailing
activities, Andy has been invaluable in maintaining the
fleet of club boats and also often helps or advises parents
on repairing or upgrading their own boats. Over the last
3 years Andy has organised and promoted the RYA North
West Junior Traveller Trophy series which encourages
juniors to race at other clubs. He selflessly promotes sailing
to all he comes into contact with, regardless of knowledge,
ability or disability. Andy’s enthusiasm and support of
others is endless and he has certainly made a significant
impact upon young sailors within his own club, regionally
and nationally.”
One of my
memories of Ian
was after a night
in the bar at
Carnac YC some
years ago.
We were cycling
back to the camp
site and following
Ian who will forgive me if I make public his love for a pint
or two. The antics he and his bike got up to that night were
something that I would have loved to have captured on
video and he spent the following day being reminded of it.
I look forward to the forthcoming World Championships
in Austria working with Ian where once again he will be
organising the measurement of all the Toppers and
no doubt sampling the local beers.
Helen Evans
International Secretary
RYA Community Awards + Ian Cox Tribute 31
Topper Squad Corner
We are approaching the time when
some of you will be thinking about
applying for squads. I hope some of
you will apply for the RYA National
Squad and thought you might like to
know what we do.
Actually we probably don’t do things
much differently to other squads.
The coaches are good but then so
are other coaches and we visit lots
of different venues but so do other
squads. I guess we have a couple of
advantages: every sailor is of a similar
and pretty high standard and they
all come into the squad with pretty
good boat handling and boat speed
skills. We also have most weekends
as residential so we can cover theory
during the evenings and it helps to
build team spirit.
We do about seven weekend camps
and a full week and the training is
planned down to the last minute
– there is never enough time!
32 Topper Squad Corner
Weekend One
Weekend Four onwards
Is about getting to know each other
and Boat Handling. We practice a
series of boat handling techniques
and the sailors have to come back for
weekend two with those techniques
fully sorted.
Is about strategy (getting around the
race course on the shortest route)
and tactics (letting other boats affect
you as little as possible, so you can
go by the shortest route as much
as possible!)
Weekend Two
We go to venues that we hope will
give us waves (Pwllheli) others that
will give us tide (Hayling) and
others that allows us to get on
the water in most conditions
(Rutland, Grafham etc.)
We test the boat handling and then go
on to boat speed. Actually we will look
at boat speed in other camps when
conditions change. The group should
now be able to sail a boat fast and so
the fun starts. Sailing fast and racing
well are two different things. You do
have to sail fast to race well but some
people can sail fast but don’t race well.
So from now on it’s about racing well.
Weekend Three
Is about starting and getting to the first
mark in a good position.
We do a fair amount of team racing
because we enjoy it and it’s good for
tactics and boat handling and we do have
a fair few Silly Races so we can laugh
at each other during video debriefs!
Finally and most importantly we work
as a team and we do have fun.
We work hard but we enjoy ourselves.
I think you could ask any of them if
this is true and they would say yes.
They certainly seem happy in the photo!
Dave Cockerill
RYA National Coach
Photos from top to bottom:
- National Squad 2009
- Youth Squad 2009
- JDP 2009
During our week camp we have the
10 race National Squad Olympic
Regatta so that we can get better
at managing a long series.
This ends with the top 10 getting
into a Medal Race which is a loads
of fun.
Topper Squad Corner 33
It’s your Letters
Topper Times are offering a PRIZE sponsored by Sailing Solutions.
Email the editor with something interesting, informative or entertaining
to do with Toppers and we will choose a WINNER for each edition.
The prize is well worth having – the prize, this time, is a full set of the Sailing Solutions
‘XL Toestrap System’ – Adjustable Centre, Padded Outers, Toestrap Waterbottle
Holder and Toestrap Bag. As seen on the Dinghy Exhibition Topper Sprint!
Send it to:
topper.times@btinternet.com
STAR PRIZE WINNER:
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34 It’s your Letters
It’s your Letters 35
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36 It’s your Letters
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Match Jacket
NSSA National School
Sailing Association
Who are the NSSA?
The National School Sailing Association (NSSA) was
formed in 1961 as a registered charity aiming to get more
young people involved in sailing. Since it’s formation the
NSSA has helped hundreds of youngsters get involved
in sailing included Dame Ellen Mcarthur, Rod Carr OBE,
Duncan Trustwell, the RYA’s racing manager and some
chap called Paul Goodison MBE!
The NSSA was the first to develop a youth sailing scheme
with Gold, Silver and Bronze badges. The scheme is still
widely used in centres, schools and clubs. Over the years
this scheme has evolved and now links closely with the
RYA National Dinghy Scheme. Since the creation of the
Onboard Scheme the NSSA has begun to in partnership
with the RYA at getting more youngsters to try sailing,
but also to keep them sailing for the rest of their lives.
So what about events?
Among its various activities the NSSA holds an annual
National Youth Regatta for young people who are under
the age of 19 which takes place during the last full week
of July. This is a mix of sailing and social events where
young people are provided with quality racing and the
chance to develop their sailing skills within the competitive
racing fleets including a dedicated Topper fleet.
Entries can be anything between 200 to 400 boats, about a
quarter of which will be double handers. This means up to
500 competitors on the water. If you think you have seen
a big start wait till you see an NSSA start line!
The social side of the National Youth Regatta is equally
important; competitors and their adult supporters usually
camp together at a local school and participate in evening
activities such as the NYR “Shore” Olympics, master class
sessions run by National RYA coaches as well as the ever
popular disco. This year the National Youth Regatta will be
held at Bridlington on the 26th to 31st of July.
The NSSA also has a Championship event which is aimed
at the elite youth sailors. Taking place at Oxford Sailing Club
the NSSA Championships attract some of the best young
sailors from all over the UK. This year’s event will be held
on the 23rd and 24th of May and interest is already high.
During April the NSSA completed its Match Racing
Championships at Queen Mary Sailing Club and 2 days
of very close racing in J80 keel boats was enjoyed in
some perfect weather.
The NSSA also has two Team Racing events. One is held in
the traditional Fireflies and another is held in Toppers giving
a great introduction to Team Racing.
Where can I get more information?
If you’re not already involved in the NSSA and you’d
like to learn more about them then visit their website
www.NSSA.org.uk
Photos by Mike Shaw at www.fotoboat.com
38 NSSA National School Sailing Association
NSSA National School Sailing Association 39
Topper World
Championships 2009
Where... Ebensee, Austria......
Why... The Gul Topper World Championships
Read on..... then visit the website to enter
There is a road running up the west side of the lake which
provides an excellent viewing platform for supporters and
friends. The town is within easy walking distance and has
all the usual facilities and served by bus and train services.
I know that many of you have completed you entry for
our first visit to Austria. The venue is in a beautiful and
interesting part of the country and should provide good
sailing and new experiences. If you haven’t made your
decision the following information may help.
GBR sailors can arrange for their boats to be transported
out if they wish, details are on the GBR website.
The nearest airports are Linz (80kms) and Salzburg (85km).
The tourist information office can be found at www.traunsee.at/ebensee and email: ebensee@traunsee.at
Ebensee is in Austria’s Lake District and has lots to offer
for everyone with water-sports on this magnificent lake
and way-marked paths for walkers and cyclists both in
the valley and for the more energetic on the mountains.
‘Gassel’ is a stalactite cave and is a beautiful and fascinating
place to visit along with many more attractions that take
place during the summer months whilst in winter it is
popular for a variety of winter sports.
Accommodation – plenty to suit all tastes. If you wish to
camp at the club the site is situated by the river at the
back of the club but you do need to book and to reserve
electricity if required.
Ebensee Sailing Club is situated on the southern shores
of Lake Traunsee deepest of all the Austrian Lakes
and well known for being consistently windy.
The lake is 12km long and 3km wide.
Cruise boats and one of the worlds
oldest steam boats ‘Gisela’ take
passengers to the other resorts on the
lake during the summer months.
We look forward to meeting you in Ebensee where an
excellent programme of sailing and social events is planned.
Now visit the club website for more details and entry forms:
www.scebensee.at and if you require help call me:
Helen on 01270 567047, email: topperworld@dsl.pipex.com
The photograph was taken on our
preliminary visit last year
Sailing Accommodation
Sailing wife and mother Anita Wren,
who like other Topper Parents
spent hours trawling accommodation
lists and websites trying to find
places to stay for the family,
launched a innovative website
www.sailing accommodation.co.uk
in April 2007.
As soon as the Topper association
published the dates on the Topper
website for Nationwides, Nationals etc
everything would be snapped up and
booked within hours”
For more information just click
www.sailingaccommodation.co.uk
The Topper Nationals Pwllheli Sailing
accommodation features well over 36
different entries of accommodation.
Sailing Accommodation is the
first ever accommodation website
specifically for sailors.
A free directory of Bed and Breakfasts,
Guesthouses, Camping and
Caravanning, Hotels and self catering
accommodation. With sailor friendly
facilities where you can book direct
with the owner.
Anita said “As I wasn’t doing the
sailing, it seemed that it was my
job to organize the food and
accommodation for the event.
When my son joined the RYA
East zone squad it soon came
obvious that it would have been
far easier organising a round the
world trip than a Bed and Breakfast
at Bough Beech!”
13 Manor Way, Old Woking, Surrey. GU22 9JX
40 Topper World Championships 2009
Sailing Accommodation 41
Help keep Premiums down
To help keep premiums down next
year, Craftinsure are keen to reduce
the number of preventable claims
which can be avoided with care and
simple precautions. The following
advice based on their experience
should help.
A fellow Topper sailor and his Dad had
a bad experience on returning from a
recent event when they arrived home,
got out of the motorhome only to
discover that there was no trailer! Luckily
this parent had only filled up with fuel
a few miles back and knew that the
trailer was hitched on at that point so
he jumped into his car and drove back
towards the fuel station. Fortunately
he found the trailer a few hundred
yards down the road, on a hill! The
trailer had come to a stop just before it
would have ploughed into parked cars
on the street, with the traffic swerving
to avoid it! Astonishingly there was
only minimal damage caused. Trailers
are often regarded as the ‘Cinderella’
when it comes to boat maintenance,
but it’s important to make sure they are
roadworthy. Check tyres, wheel bearings
and hitch mechanisms in particular.
Finally, check your boat over
thoroughly during the season to
ensure the integrity of the hull, and
that fittings are in good order.
The introduction of new kicker systems
in the search for more power and
speed has inevitably increased the
strain on booms and masts, leading
to more breakages, particularly where
these have been added to older spars.
Check spars, particularly around the
rivet points. Re-rig or replace these if
in doubt as failure under stress can
cause much more serious damage.
Wash the boat down with fresh water
after sea use to help prevent corrosion
of rivets and other fittings.
And of course, before you launch for
that first race of the season, make sure
your insurance is still current! You can
log on to www.craftinsure.com for an
immediate quotation and cover.
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When in transit, boats should be
securely fastened onto vehicle roof
racks or if you use a trailer, make
sure the breakaway cable is securely
attached to the towbar in case the hitch
jumps off. Always be aware of the
trailer if you are towing, especially if
you are one of the many touring Topper
sailors with a motorhome, as it can be
a lot more difficult to see the trailer.
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Topper sailors (and parents!) will
be pleased to hear that Craftinsure.
com, the ITCA scheme insurers and
sponsors (backed by Navigators and
General) have confirmed that they
will be keeping Topper premiums at
2008 levels despite increasing claims
costs last year. Policy terms are also
unchanged, with features such as
‘New for Old’ cover on parts (including
sails up to 3 years old), and 30 days
use in continental Europe still included
as standard. In addition to supporting
specific events, as part of the
sponsorship agreement Craftinsure pay
an amount to the Association for each
Topper they insure, and a cheque for
over £1,500 has already been gratefully
received this year. The insurance
scheme proceeds are an important
contribution towards the costs of
running the Association, helping to
keep down membership fees.
Unfortunately, in the space of the
last few weeks we have had 2 Topper
claims reported whereby the boats
have literally taken off from the
roofs of cars whilst travelling on the
motorway. Amazingly there were no
casualties, but the Toppers were in a
very sorry state. Given the number of
cars on the motorway and the speed
they travel, these incidents could
easily have been a lot worse.
We cannot stress strongly enough
the importance of ensuring the roof
rack is correctly fitted and that the
Topper is properly secured to the
rack. It is essential that the Topper is
well tied down at the front to prevent
the wind getting underneath the boat
and flipping it back. Please check and
double check to avoid any similar
traumatic events!
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Topper Insurance Premiums
held for 2009
Theft is widely reported as being on the
increase again, and whilst the stealing
of two Toppers on a trailer at a total
cost of over £4,000 was an extreme
example, boats and equipment of all
values are being targeted by thieves.
Craftinsure advises owners to make
sure buoyancy aids and tools are not
left in boats. Marking items clearly will
also deter theft and help identification.
Consider fitting a hitch lock or a wheel
clamp to a trailer if leaving the trailer
for any length of time.
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Topper Insurance Premiums
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42 Topper Insurance Premiums
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