Topper UK National Championship at East Lothian Yacht Club - Preview
by Derek Braid 17 Jul 2016 20:41 BST
7-12 August 2016
Topper Nationals at North Berwick in 2011 © Derek Braid
From Sunday 7 August to Friday 12 August 2016, East Lothian Yacht Club, based at the Harbour, North Berwick are very pleased to be hosting the UK National Championships of the International Topper Dinghy.
Over 200 boats have already entered from all areas of the UK. The International Topper is a single handed dinghy primarily sailed by youngsters, but can be sailed by persons of any age.
Robbie Lawson, Commodore of East Lothian Yacht Club says:
"East Lothian Yacht Club are honoured to be hosting the 2016 Topper Nationals. This is one of the UKs premier sailing events with over 200 junior competitors and their families coming to North Berwick. The Topper class has been the "training ground" of many future champions and Olympians. This event is made possible by a huge effort from local club volunteers and committed families from around the country. We hope that the fantastic sailing waters of East Lothian will provide a challenging test to choose a worthy champion
There are three fleets including a 5.3 (normal sized Topper sail), 4.2 (smaller sized Topper sail) and a Regatta fleet (either sail size can be used). The Regatta fleet provides a fantastic opportunity for the less experienced Topper sailor and racer to participate in this event. For a first national event the Regatta fleet is a great fleet to join, they have shorter days than the main fleets, often they have an onshore break and there are daily briefings so you will feel very supported. ELYC is encouraging as many local club members as possible to participate, and are offering members free hire of club Toppers for the event, and a financial contribution towards the entry fee."
In the Handbook being produced for the event Robbie Lawson's Welcome says:
"I would like to extend a warm welcome from East Lothian Yacht Club to all Topper sailors and their families.
Whilst Topper has a reputation as "the friendly class", the fleet is of the highest quality and has been the training ground for numerous champions and Olympians. We are honoured to host the 2016 Topper Nationals.
The waters off North Berwick are a fantastic place to sail and race, offering (in a good week) breeze, waves and just enough tide to make it interesting. We hope for conditions to help you find a worthy champion.
We are an amateur club, staffed entirely by enthusiastic volunteers. Nevertheless, we have a wealth of experience in national race management and will be working hard with the Topper team to give you a week to remember.
As a former Topper parent, I appreciate the huge efforts that the Topper fraternity put into training, travelling and competing. We hope that you will find your week in North Berwick rewarding for your endeavors. It's a great wee town, with lovely beaches, shops, cafes and restaurants. The harbour area has the acclaimed Seabird Centre and opportunities for wildlife cruises, kayak and SUP hire. With the dinghy park in the heart of the town, we hope that you will have a fantastic weeks holiday as well as a fantastic weeks racing.
I wish you all a successful Nationals 2016, whatever your goals for the week."
The Toppers will be parked on Elcho Green and during the week, each of the fleets will be racing between Craigleith and the Lamb islands, between Craigleith and the Bass Rock, and between Craigleith and the Harbour. It will be a tremendous sight to see over 200 Topper dinghies sailing out from the West Beach each day. There will mean a large influx of competitors and their families and supporters visiting North Berwick for the week.
East Lothian Yacht Club host a national championship of a different dinghy class each year, but the Topper Championship is the biggest with previous visits to North Berwick in 2007 and 2011. (See 3 attached photos of 2011 event).
Information about the Topper Dinghy
A Topper requires little maintenance, is easily rigged in a matter of minutes, is rugged and safe for beginners and an exciting race boat too as your skills develop AND it is car-toppable. It truly is the most versatile of sailboats.
The Topper was designed by Ian Proctor whose other boats include the ever popular Wayfarer. It was originally constructed in GRP but this was changed quite early on to an injection moulding construction. After well over 20 years of continuous production (approaching 50,000 boats!) it is the outstanding build quality, durability and innovative design features that have made the Topper one of the most popular boats in Britain. The Topper has been recognised as an RYA Junior Development Class and is part of the RYA Performance Pathway that could one day lead to a place in the British Olympic Team.
www.gbrtopper.co.uk
About East Lothian Yacht Club
East Lothian Yacht Club is well regarded as a location for Open Sailing Dinghy Events. It holds an Annual Open Regatta in June as well as a National Championship in August.
East Lothian Yacht Club holds club racing 12 months of the year, and also runs week long training course for youngsters (11 to 16 Years) in the school holidays, as well as Adult Sailing Courses over weekends. Sailing courses for pupils from Law Primary School also take part on Friday afternoons in the summer term. The Club also run evening Fun Fridays when inexperienced sailors can get out on the water supervised by experienced sailors in RIBs. The club have dinghies which can be hired for these events.
www.elyc.org.uk