Monex Welsh Topper Championships at Llandegfedd Sailing Club
by Zoe Morley (event competitor, aged 15) 3 Jul 17:15 BST
27-28 June 2026
Monex Welsh Topper Championships at Llandegfedd Sailing Club © Nick Morley
What a weekend! The annual Monex Welsh Topper championships held at Llandegfedd Lake, this time also featuring ILCAs, drew 35 Welsh sailors and 5 strong visitors across the border.
We had fierce competition across the fleets, in bright and breezy South-Westerly conditions, a fresh blast after the heatwave. The Topper fleet top-3 went into the last race tied for points! In the end Daisy Dowdell (LLSC) won out overall to keep the iconic Dragon trophy in Wales. Daisy said, 'The event was fantastic, with really close racing and difficult but exciting conditions.' The Venning name (PDSC) echoed throughout the prize-giving with Sophie Venning second in the Toppers and brothers Thomas and Ollie winning the ILCA 6 and Topper 4.2 fleets respectively. Ollie with straight bullets, traditionally rewarded with ducks.
Throughout the weekend we had two of Llandegfedd's most challenging conditions meaning fitness levels and local knowledge in the strong south & south westerly winds were key factors for success. The safety team led by Rhys Powell worked hard, supported by RYA Cmryu Wales and many thanks to Bill Jackson, PRO and our sponsor James Howells, Monex MARINE.
Baz Sanderson Wood coached a budding OnBoard fleet of younger sailors with his sister Skye. Despite the blustery breeze, many stayed out and raced with confidence, lots of smiles and giggles both on and off the water.
The full results and and pictures from the weekend can be found on our website, www.llandegfedd.org.uk/youth/welsh-open
Llandegfedd Sailing Club is a friendly, welcoming, volunteer run club based at a beautiful inland reservoir. We run regular junior coaching, beginning with our RYA Learn to Sail courses in May. We also have competitive racing twice a week for all ages. LLSC is a recognised RYA Pathway Club.