Topper Colours

But in a Topper, really?

You've never been to a Topper Nationals Protest Hearing then!  Some of these guys will be future Olympic hopefuls. They are being trained at age ~12 to compete like olympians.

It’s a fun boat in what is meant to be a fun hobby.

Ah. You are considering sailing a hobby rather than a sport.

100-200 race at national level and about 20-30 race “seriously”.

There are 20-30 who might stand a chance of a win.  If thats the definition of seriously.  Further down the fleet there will remain 'serious' races.  Coming 50th might still mean getting a regional squad place.  Or it might simply mean beating your arch rival.

And what kind of lesson is that to kids - “stay anonymous and you may get away with things”?

The trouble is... if all the others are staying anonymous - you might need to too.  Obviously the rules should be followed.   The Black Flag is probably the best time to not be identifiable; that may or may not mean cheating.  Lets say 10 boats are over on BF with 200 boat start.  If the OD can identify all 10, you are BFD. If he can't identify them all he will have to Gen Recall.  If he identifies some they will be BFD.  Not being identified isn't cheating, its the reality of a race.  

But lets be realistic.  Its those top 20 who are buying a brand new race topper.  Those then sell to the rest of the fleet over time.  So those 20 set the spec.

Also £50 extra for a sail and £50 extra for hull top sides.   So £100.  Those racers would rather spend that on something that makes the boat sail faster or protects the boat better.  Some of those guys will be buying new sails every year or two.  Those £50 extras add up.

Coloured sails fade quicker.  The beach clubs likely said not to do it.  The beach clubs wouldn't pay more for coloured hulls.