Topper sailing in a breeze

   Phew! I was looking at all those possible upgrades and then thinking it would soon come to more than the cost of a newer Topper! I just need to find a good supplier somewhere then!

My wife and daughter have both signed up for sailing lessons so this boat's going to be getting a lot of use soon!

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Longwayround Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 03 Jun 16 Online Status: Offline Posts: 8	Post Options Post Reply Quote Longwayround Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Topper sailing in a breeze Posted: 03 Jun 16 at 10:51pm
	Phew! I was looking at all those possible upgrades and then thinking it would soon come to more than the cost of a newer Topper! I just need to find a good supplier somewhere then! My wife and daughter have both signed up for sailing lessons so this boat's going to be getting a lot of use soon!

Rupert Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 11 Aug 04 Location: Whitefriars sc Online Status: Offline Posts: 8956	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rupert Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 Jun 16 at 10:40pm
	No, it doesn't have to cost that much! Adding a purchase here and there, and a new cleat or 2, is all you need do to make the boat more fun. You probably not looking to win the world's, after all. Oddly, outhaul adjustment is the hardest to get right, as there is loads of friction. Edited by Rupert - 04 Jun 16 at 8:00am
	Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

Longwayround Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 03 Jun 16 Online Status: Offline Posts: 8	Post Options Post Reply Quote Longwayround Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 Jun 16 at 10:06pm
	Thanks for your very prompt reply. This leads to my next question: my Topper is a 1979 vintage and still has most of the original fixtures and fittings. How easily can I add the newer kit which I see sold by the likes of Rooster to my boat? And does it really all have to cost as much as Rooster charge? My outhaul is pretty much impossible to adjust on the water and the same can be said for the downhaul.

Rupert Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 11 Aug 04 Location: Whitefriars sc Online Status: Offline Posts: 8956	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rupert Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 Jun 16 at 10:01pm
	At a guess, and it can be little more than that, I would say your sail was too baggy. Try more outhaul (and make sure you tie the clew down to the boom) more kicker and more downhaul to bend the mast and flatten everything off. If the downhaul is a rope to a clear on the mast, consider adding a purchase to give yourself a fighting chance of control. Toppers are a hoot in a breeze, and a force 4 should only be the beginning of the fun!
	Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

Longwayround Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 03 Jun 16 Online Status: Offline Posts: 8	Post Options Post Reply Quote Longwayround Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 Jun 16 at 9:53pm
	I've recently rediscovered sailing. There's been a Topper sat round the side of my house for 16 years or so and finally I found somewhere to store it and sail it last month. My sailing skills are at best rusty: I sailed as a Sea Scout and Venture for eleven years until 1995 and barely at all since. I'm fine sailing in lightish winds but was taken aback when, in a force four or so, I found myself completely unable to steer the boat. Obviously I'm doing something wrong. Your advice would be much appreciated.