Four great-grandchildren of Topper designer Ian Proctor to compete at World Championships 2026
by Roger Proctor 11 Jul 12:56 BST
Great-grandchildren of Topper designer Ian Proctor preparing to compete at the World Championships © Nick Morley
Roger Proctor, Director of Ian Proctor Designs Limited (IPD) and youngest son of the world-renowned yacht and dinghy designer, Ian Proctor, is delighted to announce that IPD is supporting four of Ian's great-grandchildren to participate in the International Topper World Championships being held in Saint Pierre Quiberon, France, in July 2026.
Roger said, "I'm delighted that my late father's company is enabling four of his great-grandchildren to participate at this level and continue a family tradition of supporting and promoting his designs and the continuing work of IPD."
This annual event, which attracts some two hundred sailors from around the world, provides strong competition for the most competitive sailors, some of whom will go on to represent their countries in future years at the Olympics.
The four sailors have experienced the Topper as part of family gatherings, however sailing at a highly competitive level is new to them. This past year, they have shown the Proctor sailing spirit is alive and well by learning new skills together with positive determination.
They have relished the opportunity to spend time together, away from screens, demonstrating that the Topper is a wonderful catalyst for experiencing greater personal freedom, enabling on-the-go decision-making, planning, tactics, mental and physical fitness, and growing confidence in their own abilities.
These world championships will again bring together young sailors from many nations across the globe, encouraging friendly competition, educational experiences and interaction between different cultures and backgrounds.
Bill Brassington, the Chairman of the International Topper Class Association (ITCA), said:
"Having four of Ian Proctor's great grandchildren competing this year is wonderful. As a former sailor, parent and now international Commodore, I'm privileged to volunteer my time and energies into this timeless dinghy design, which has brought so many young people into the sport.
"Let's hope many more aspiring sailors will buy International Toppers and experience the fun and comradeship which is at the heart of this Class."
The four boys participating are:
Sennen Proctor aged 13
Benjamin Proctor aged 14
Isaac Davies aged 15
Owen Proctor aged 16
Roger Proctor added, "These young Proctor sailors will be among an inspiring field of competitors, a sight that would have given my father enormous joy. He would have been delighted to see them sailing his most popular dinghy design and, in doing so, helping to uphold and promote his work, his legacy, and the International Topper."