Alternatives that offer a progression are the ICLA dinghy and the Aero (both with various rig sizes).

Locally, we have a lot of youth racing in the Aeros - but very little in the laser/ICLA

People seem to be reading a lot into this.                                                                        

I would have thought it's no big deal for test sails to be offered in a class where most of the sailors will inevitably move on?                                                                               

It might be nice to see some two hander options being presented?                                     

Maybe what RS are really just saying that the Topper is the natural/ideal 'feeder' boat for the Aero.  Equally it might invite future 'imitation' of their marketing approach tactics in reverse - you have to beware unintended consequences in every approach considered !!

In my own class we were more than happy to share events with other classes when their makers also sought to showcase their offerings.  Our CA went out of their way to encourage informal trials across these fleets at these multi-class meetings whenever and however the opportunity arose .... it worked for the class rather well in the early days as it was establishing itself - and still does today.        

Yes we all would like progression in double handers but if they haven’t already transferred to Fevas before they are too big for Toppers , it’s not going to happen . 

Originally posted by 423zero They also have the 'Topaz', they are in effect admitting 'Aero' is a better adult boat.

Is the Topaz a 'class'?

Does it have a class association? any class racing?

I would imagine the number of people who've attended a Topper Nationals and then 'progressed' to a Topaz is precisely zero.

Topaz is a fine enough product, a great beginner's boat but it doesn't really compete with ILCA or Aero.

It was the Phantom inland’s at Draycote this weekend . We went up to watch the racing this Sunday . I am 5’10 and 13 stone ( so at least stone to heavy ) . I’ve never felt so short and anorexic in the whole of my life . 

UFO did a similar thing at Optimist Nationals a few years back. 

Draycote run a terrific junior program in Toppers and Fevas. 

It was very light wind winds there on Sunday ( that why the Phantoms were packing up and going home early.)

But the kids topper squad was out enjoying themselves and there were twice the number of them than adult club members taking part in the first club race of the day . Which is a good sign for the club going forward . 

Ps I can only hope the lurker on here that instead of engaging in discussion over my earlier comments about Draycote decided to pass them on to the club committee. Decides to pass on this positive comment too . 

Are you sure it wasn’t the Paid club Boson/Shop owner and training organiser/ bar manager being interviewed . He is a big gentlemen 

Quite possibly not - but I'm sure the Blaze CA (and a few others) would be very happy to co-ordinate / collaborate if requested.... a bit more notice next time would help but then there is always next year...    PS - I've been loaned an Aero by their organisers to try in an Open in the past after all and appreciated the gesture.

wasn't me Duncan...  it's a great place, plenty of options for everyone, but I wouldn't pass your criticisms on to any old contacts, no point, they're here to see for everyone anyway.

I still see some updates from the club via various social media outlets, the committee were outstanding through covid, and iirc, much of their work regarding this was then disseminated via the RYA to help other clubs out.  

Anyway, nice to see the RS Aero building some numbers there.  Back in the day, I'd have loved to have seen that with the D-Zero, but whatever, the Aero is clearly filling the obvious space Draycote had for an alternative to Lasers and Solos - good luck to it- as a follow on from the Topper, it makes total sense.  

The same goes for the youth classes really. For instance I was asked to talk to 29er sailors about my post 9er sailing and there wasn't any issues about the links to the 200s and 800s. 

I also know the 800s have sent demo boats to 29er class events before and would look to again. 

 thanks, just checking!!  Back off to lurk for a bit.