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ITCA Administrator: Cathy Brassington Address: 1 Meadow Lane, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire, LU7 9EZ, United Kingdom Tel/Fax: +44 (0)1296 668592 Email: topperworld@dsl.pipex.com
Latest news:
2012, 2013, 2014 TOPPER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
The International Topper Class Association is pleased to announce that the 2012 Topper World Championships will be held at the Sailing Club Workum, in the Netherlands, from August 19th to 24th.
As a small club Sailing Club Workum (ZVW) has organised a number of major regattas and sailing events over the past 20 years with an average entry of more than 100 Dutch and foreign competitors at each event. Since 1985 Workum has been a well-known spot in the International Sailing World and its reputation has increased because of its detailed organisation of many sailing events and championships. The Sailing Club is supported by a large number of volunteers with skill and enthusiasm and its facilities and location allow the organisation of a great event.
The club has held the Dart European Championship in 1993, in cooperation with WV Uitdam, and the 2008 World Championship. In 1993 they hosted 400 International Optimists and in 2002 the International Topper Class held their World Championships at the club which was acknowledged by all as a great event only spoiled by the lack of Dutch competitors.
One of the biggest highlights in the last few years was the Open Dutch Championship 2003 in the Optimist, Splash and Flash classes. Nowadays this event is known as the Dutch Youth Regatta with an entry of over 800 competitors and now includes other youth classes like the Laser Radial, Cadet, 420 and 29er. In 2012 this youth event will be held between May 17th and 20th.
The event will be based at Camping 'It Soal' which is located next to the Ijsselmeer and at the end of the camp site is a public area used by Sailing Club Workum for sailing events. A number of portacabins will be used to host the race committee, the jury and the organising committee for the 2012 Topper World Championships. This is also the central meeting point for all competitors, volunteers, officials and visitors. Competitors can camp near the Regatta Area.
The international committee is also extremely pleased to announce that the 2013 World Championship will be held on the beautiful island of Namhae in South Korea. We are working with the organisers to provide affordable packages which will allow you to see the sights of the orient and to participate in the World Championships. We will be providing more detailed information about the event by the end of September.
And finally, in 2014 we will be visiting one of the best sailing venues in the world, the waters of Tremadog Bay and the Lyn peninsular and the town of Pwllheli for the 2014 Topper World Championships which will be held immediately after the GBR National Championships.
2011 SOVEREIGN SKI TOPPER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BLOG
The 2011 Topper World Championship is now underway. For the duration of the Championship there will be a dedicated blog running with regular updates of what is happening on the race course along some photos. The blog can be accessed here...
NEW MEASUREMENT FORM
New measurement form to be used at this year's World Championship can be found on the Class Rules page.
2011 SOVEREIGN SKI TOPPER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
On-line entry now open
On the 28th March 2011 on-line entry was opened for the Sovereign Ski Topper World Championship on the microsite. The whole entry process this year is completed on-line with no paper forms to submit. The 225 Euros entry fee is also paid by debit/credit card through the new on-line system.
2011 Microsite launched
The National Yacht Club Dun Laoghaire has created a new Microsite for the 2011 Sovereign Ski Topper World Championship. The site contains lots of information about accommodation and ferry offers. On-line entry will also be through the this microsite nearer the event and it will be regularly updated with new information including all sailing documents and instructions, so do visit it regularly.
2011 World Championships venue announced
At the conclusion of the 2010 Topper World Championship at Fraglia Vela Malcesine on the beautiful Lake Garda, I announced my intention to publish the date of the 2011 Topper World Championship by the end of September. Last Saturday I was able to complete the initial discussions with the prospective host clubs and make the final selection.
Therefore I am pleased to announce that the 2011 Topper World Championship will be held at the National Yacht Club (www.nyc.ie) in Dun Laoghaire (pronounced Dunleary) in Eire from Sunday August 14th until Friday August 19th 2011. A full programme of racing and shore based events will be published shortly.
The team at the National Yacht Club are in detailed discussion with local hotels and Irish Sea ferry operators so that the very best deal can be offered to the sailors and their family and supporters. Since these discussions have not been completed, competitors are recommended to delay making any bookings at present. The club will publish information about accommodation and ferries in due course, and details will appear on the international web site.
The 2010 World Championship was a bit of a blur to me, and I was very pleased to be elected as President of the International Topper Class Association and would like to thank all those at Fraglia Vela Malcesine for the wonderful event that they were able to organise. They have once again set a standard against which all other events will be measured, and it is my intention to work with the National Topper Associations to ensure that all future events are well managed afloat and ashore and that sailors and their family and supporters leave every World Championship looking forward to the next year’s event. I also want to ensure that the dates for the next three events are published so we can have a proper handover at the closing ceremony and more importantly so that sailors can make their plans and budgets for their time within the Topper Class. It is my intention therefore, by March 2011, to publish the dates and venues for the World Championships up to and including 2014.
To ensure the future success of the International Topper Class we need to demonstrate that the boat is both fun and highly competitive. This message needs to be spread to other countries where there is a gap in the progression of junior and small adult racing boats. I would like to invite National Topper Associations and sailors to make suggestions as to how we spread the word to the world about the fun we have within the “Friendly Class”.
Bill Brassington
President, International Topper Class Association
October 31st 2011
2010 GUL TOPPER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Daily Reports (all photos courtesy of John Knapton):
Friday 27th August
The final day of the Championships dawned with a low cloud clinging to the mountains. The plan was to start racing one hour earlier than the rest of the week with a view to getting the final three races completed. Sailors arriving at the club were keeping a close eye on the weather in the hope that the wind would come in today.
 At 11:15 a light breeze started to fill in and the committee boat made its way to the race course. This was followed by the signal for sailors to launch as the breeze started picking up. With all the boats on the race course, the Gold fleet started Race 13 at 12:11 followed promptly by the Silver fleet at 12:21. The breeze strengthened nicely through the race as the sailors headed left up the beats again. The mountains remained stubbornly shrouded in low cloud and mist though and the air temperature for the first time this week felt a little chillier. As the first race of the day concluded the wind eased a little. Leaders for Gold fleet for Race 13 were Giovanni Benamati (ITA), Finn Lynch (IRL) and Kieran Hill (GBR). The Silver fleet leaders were Finn Murphy (GBR), Sarah Eames (IRL) and Chris Barnes (GBR).
 Race 14 started in brightening conditions with the wind easing. Gold fleet were away at 13:14 followed 10 minutes later by Silver fleet. With the sun starting to break through and only the tops of the mountains now in cloud the leading boats in Gold fleet were Kieran Hill (GBR), Silvia Dall'Agnola (ITA) and Edward Jones (GBR). Silver fleet leads were Tom Methven (GBR), Charlotte Hooper (GBR) and Samantha Bonella (GBR).
 The sun was now coming through nicely as the final Race 15 got underway. Gold fleet were started at 14:39, again followed 10 minutes later by the Silver fleet. The final run was done in conditions that had prevailed all week – glorious sunshine and a lovely breeze. Gold fleet leaders were Finn Lynch (IRL), Giovanni Benamati (ITA) and Edward Jones (GBR). Silver fleet leaders were Samantha Bonella (GBR), James Cunnison (GBR) and Andreas Jung (GER).
After a great week of sailing in almost perfect conditions overall results are for an Italian one-two in the Gold fleet:
Gold Fleet: 1st place Michele Benamati (ITA), 2nd place Giovanni Benamati (ITA), 3rd place (and 1st Junior) Edward Jones (GBR)
Silver Fleet: 1st place Samantha Bonella (GBR), 2nd place Tom Methven (GBR), 3rd place James Cunnison (GBR).
As everyone packs up ready for the prize giving and then the long journeys home we would like to say many thanks to our hospitable hosts at Fraglia Vela Malcesine who have run some excellent racing completing the full 15 race programme as well as keeping the parents and supporters well fed on shore. And well done to all of the sailors in what was a week of challenging conditions – we hope that you all enjoyed it.
Thursday 26th August
Today dawned clear with few clouds. Like clockwork the breeze started to fill in at midday and the committee boat went out to the race course. At 12:30 the fleets launched for day 2 of the Championship series.
 Race 10 was quickly underway at 13:10. Going hard left up the beat was still paying, especially in the early breeze as it swung around the headland – in fact a few swimmers in the bay may have had a surprise as the Toppers made their way as far left as they could. At 13:26 the Silver fleet was away in a freshening breeze – a bit more than yesterday. Leading boats in the Gold fleet for Race 10 were Freddie Chiddicks (GBR), Michele Benamati (ITA) and Samantha Foster (GBR). In the Silver fleet the leaders were Dan Venables (GBR), Edward Downes (GBR) and Andrew Penney (IRL).
 In glorious sunshine Race 11 was started at 14:27 for the Gold fleet and at 14:40 for the Silver fleet. The wind had strengthened further with a few white horses over the lake. As the race went on the winds eased a little again as the Gold fleet came down to finish. Leaders in the Gold fleet for Race 11 were Robbie Robinson (GBR), Thomas Scott (GBR) and Giovanni Benamati (ITA). In the Silver fleet the leaders were Charlotte Hooper (GBR), Samantha Bonella (GBR) and Finn Murphy (GBR).
 Race 12 got underway at 15:40 for the Gold fleet with sailors still going well left up the beat. The Silver fleet were away at 15:51. A few cumulus clouds were once again building over the mountains but the sun was still shining with a good breeze over the lake. Leading boats in the Gold fleet for Race 12 were Michele Benamati (ITA), Giovanni Benamati (ITA) and Edward Jones. In the Silver fleet the leaders were Tom Methven (GBR) Sarah Eames (IRL) and James Cunnison (GBR).
Overnight in the Gold fleet the Italians still held onto first and second places with Michele Benamati (ITA) leading Giovanni Benamati (ITA) and Edward Jones in third place. In the Silver fleet Samantha Bonella (GBR) led Tom Methven (GBR) and Andrew Penney (IRL).
Wednesday 25th August
 Today dawned cloudier than previous days this week for the start of the Championship series but as the morning wore on the sun came through and the clouds started to lift. Around midday the first signs of a breeze wafted across the lake and continued to build – another good sailing day was promised.
The fleets launched into a freshening breeze and at 13:20 the Gold fleet were away for Race 7. White cumulus clouds were building around the peaks, but nothing that threatened the racing. At 13:30 the Silver fleet were away into a strengthening breeze. The first race of the Championship series saw a rash of Gold fleet OCSs and so the leading boats in the Gold fleet at the end of Race 7 were Damiano Mantovani (ITA), Edward Jones (GBR) and Finn Lynch (IRL). In the Silver fleet the leading boats were Samantha Bonella (GBR), Charlotte Hooper (GBR) and Andrew Penney (IRL).
At 14:32 Race 8 for the Gold fleet was underway with boats still going well left up the beat. The wind was however proving shifty and sailors needed to keep a keen eye open and tack quickly to make the best of the breeze. The Silver fleet were away 12 minutes later. The sun kept shining through the race with temperatures climbing to over 30 degree. As Race 8 came to end the wind had started easing a little. Leading boats in the Gold fleet were Michele Benamati (ITA), Matt Venables (GBR) and Giovanni Benamati (ITA). In the Silver fleet were Charlotte Hooper (GBR), Samantha Bonella (GBR) and Tom Methven (GBR).
 As Race 9 commenced the ends of the lake were becoming shrouded in mist and more cloud was building over the mountains with the winds easing further. Gold fleet were away at 15:52 followed 10 minutes later by the Silver fleet. The wind had become even more shifty with 20 degree oscillations meaning concentration around the race course (and a bit of local knowledge) paid. Gold fleet leaders in Race 9 were Michele Benamati (ITA), Thomas Scott (GBR) and Damiano Mantovani (ITA). In Silver fleet the leaders were Samantha Bonella (GBR), Charlotte Hooper (GBR) and Andrew Penney (IRL).
Following a few protests the leaders overnight in the Gold fleet were Michele Benamati (ITA) by a clear margin followed by Giovanni Benamati (ITA) and Edward Jones (GBR). In the Silver fleet overnight leaders were Samantha Bonella (GBR), Charlotte Hooper (GBR) and Andrew Penney (IRL).
Tuesday 24th August
 This is the second and final day of the qualifying series before the fleet is divided into Gold and Silver. With some sailors carrying an OCS or other unscored race and with only one discard in the qualifying series they had to be careful… The launch signal was sounded at 13:10 and sailors went afloat in glorious sunshine and a strengthening breeze. With the wind settling in direction and the course laid, Race 4 was away around 14:15 with the second flights following 10 minutes later. The wind was a little lighter than yesterday and the flight winners of Race 4 were Giles Kuzyk (GBR) and Reuben Murphy (GBR).
 As the weather clouded over a little and the breeze strengthened Race 5 got underway at 15:40 followed as usual 10 minutes later by the second flights. The left hand side of the course had paid to date, but in this race the sailors with their eyes out of the boat spotted that the wind had dropped on the left and was better towards the middle – places were gained by the eagle eyed. As the breeze filled in again at the end of the race the flight winners were Michele Benamati (ITA) and Giles Kuzyk (GBR).
Race 6 was underway at 17:00 with both flights away 10 minutes apart. Clouds had now started rolling in over the mountain tops and the breeze had steadied over the race course. Flight winners for the final day of qualifying were Michele Benamati (ITA) and Edward Jones (GBR).
 Given that this was the final qualifying day a few protests were inevitable, but were dealt with during the evening by the international jury. The 124 strong fleet was then split into Gold and Silver fleets based on their results with 63 making it into Gold on account of a number of sailors being on the same points at the cut off.
Going into the Championship Series the Gold fleet leaders were Michele Benamati (ITA), Giovanni Benamati (ITA) and Finn Lynch (IRL). The Silver fleet was led by Charlotte Hooper (GBR) followed by Samantha Bonella (GBR) and James Cunnison (GBR).
Monday 23rd August
 The sailors briefing was conducted by Trevor Lewis of the International Jury and then at 12:15 the fleet launched to make their way to the start line for the first race. The first two days (up to 6 races) are qualifying and the fleet sails in four flights, with two flights per race. Following these two days the fleet will split into Gold and Silver for the Championship series which take place over the final three days.
The afternoon wind took a little time to build but around 13:30 the course was laid and the Race Committee and the sailors began the process of getting racing underway. At 13:50 the first flights were away and heading off to the outer loop quickly followed at 14:00 by the second flights heading off to the inner loops. The usual first push for the line in the first race caught out around 10 sailors in the first flights unfortunately scoring them an OCS. The second flights saw this and were less keen to push the line so hard...
 Going hard left up the beat clearly paid on the race course to the point that inner and outer loops were crossing between their upwind and downwind legs. Giovanni Benamati (ITA) and Reuben Murphy (GBR) took the first race bullets.
As the heat built up to 30 deg the breeze strengthened with a few white horses across the lake. The sun was shining and the sailors were enjoying the excellent sailing weather. Race 2 got away at 15:20 with the second flights following 10 minutes later. Sailors headed the warning of the first race OCSs and all were cleanly away for the second race. First home for their respective flights were Edward Jones (GBR) and Freddie Chiddicks (GBR).
Sunday 22nd August
124 sailors from six nations have descended on the beautiful location of Malcesine, Lake Garda, Italy for the 2010 Topper World Championships. The Topper class is made up of sailors spanning junior, youth and adult sailors, so quite a mix of ages and experience. Fraglia Vela Malcesine is host for the third time to the Topper World Championships and sailors are all delighted to be here again competing against the backdrop of rugged mountains.
 Sunday evening saw the opening ceremony held in Malcesine castle. This was preceded by a march by the competitors from the water front through the narrow winding cobbled streets of Malcesine to the castle. Flags representing the competitors Austria, Germany, Great Britain (including the Scottish and Welsh flags), Ireland, Italy and for the first time this year Korea were proudly flown through the streets to the delight (and occasional puzzlement) of locals and holiday makers.
The opening ceremony at the castle was conducted by the President of Fraglia Vela Malcesine and Roger Proctor acting as ITCA President after George Clark was unable to make the event due to ill health).
The Measurement Notes for the Topper class have been updated by Ian Cox. These notes can be found on the Class Rules page.
TOPPER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Many thanks to all those of you who have now entered for the 2010 championships. I look forward to seeing you there and I hope that we have good sailing winds and weather for competitors and supporters alike.
I would like to draw your attention to the following:
There is an amendment to the Notice of Race. The club has announced that copies of the Sailing Instructions will now be handed out on Saturday 21st at registration, they will not be published on the website.
Will all competitors and supporters please pay attention to the Notice of Race which clearly states that the club cannot cope with boats, trailers etc before Thursday 19th August. A regatta will have taken place prior to our visit and the boat parks will not be free until then.
It is advisable to take your certificate of insurance along with you.
The programme for Saturday and Sunday is as follows:
Saturday 21st - registration and measurement - 09:00 to 12:30 and 14:30 to 18:30.
Sunday 22nd - registration and measurement from 09:00 to 12:30.
(Some measurement may take place outside these hours)
Practice Race: warning signal 15:00
The opening ceremony will take place at Malcesine Castle on Sunday 22nd at 19:00
Have a safe journey.
Helen Evans
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM GEORGE CLARK
Dear International Members,
As you may know I had planned to retire after this years World Championships however this has had to be brought forward as I am unable to attend the Championships on health grounds, for which I apologise. Roger Proctor has very kindly agreed to carry out the duties of ITCA President at the opening ceremony and also chair the next international Committee meeting. My successor will be announced by the international committee after this meeting.
Over the past five years Topper sailing has grown globally, we have increased the international class membership by two nations and there are still a number of potential member nations. We also have annual World Championship Regattas. My thanks go to all those who work so hard for the good of the Association, many are volunteers who receive no remuneration.
In conclusion please continue to be guided by the best traditions of good sportsmanship and international friendship.
As I doubt that I will meet you again in my present capacity may I say Farewell and Good Sailing.
Very best wishes
George Clark
ITCA President and Chairman of the International Committee
WELCOME TO THE KOREA TOPPER CLASS ASSOCIATION
The Korea Topper Class Association (KTCA) has been established for the advancement of youth sailing in Korea. They're looking forward to participating in 2010 Topper World Championships at Lake Garda. KTCA president Mr. Oh Jong Yeol will introduce more about KTCA during the event. Contact details for KTCA Secretary Lina Joo can be found on the ITCA Committee Members page.
GUL TOPPER WORLDS 2010
The Notice of Race for the 2010 GUL Topper World Championships to be held at Malcesine Sailing Club on Lake Garda is now available on this website. We apologise for the late publication due to unforeseen circumstances. ITCA, Fraglia vela Malcesine and ITCA (ITA) are working towards making this a superb event and are looking forward to returning to Lake Garda and meeting up with old friends and making new ones.
There are one or two points that I would like to draw your attention to. Entry forms, to be published shortly, should be completed and returned by the 4th July. Payment is to be made at registration by either cash or credit card which makes it easier and more economical than systems used previously. It is most important that you return the form in time to secure your place and to assist the club, ITCA (ITA) and ourselves with the organisation.
Boats, trailers and cars can park on the club site from Thursday 19th to Sunday 29th August. Camper vans will not be permitted onto the club car park during the event. See Notice of Race.
If you require assistance with booking accommodation Alison and Charles Kinsley will be happy to help. Contact details are – kinsley@alice.it Tel. 00 39 3386053096
Fax. 0039 339 6659085. Cell. 0039 339 6659085
Charter costs for the event are -
Complete Race rigged Topper £495.00
Raced rigged Topper excluding sail £395.00
Boats will be allocated on receipt of payment prior to the event. Please send payment with your full details to:
Rick Reading
Topper International Ltd. Kingsnorth Technology Park, Wotton Rd, Ashford, Kent. TN23 6LN
ENGLAND.
Competitors wishing to have their own boats transported out from the UK can do so. I believe that Sailboat Deliveries, see the ITCA (GBR) website, are willing to make arrangements and Alex Storrar has sent the following information.
Toppers to Lake Garda.Italy - August 2010
Why drive from the UK when you can jump on a plane and be there in a few hours?
Alex Storrar of Meditrans Ltd is pleased to announce that he is now taking bookings for transporting your Topper hull/trolley/spars/sails and 1x sailing bag to and from Lake Garda for the sum of £285.00 return, this includes collection from the Nationals at Pwllheli or other venue en route South to Gatwick, and return delivery to Nationwide Meeting at Largs (or other location en route) after the event. Collection from Holyhead or Birkenhead ferry ports is also an option for the Irish boats.
Total capacity is 16 dinghies with all hulls being supported on their deck/ bulkhead areas, towed by a Land Rover Discovery3 vehicle fitted with tachograph equipment. These plans are not a tablet of stone and are subject to change in order to make life as easy as possible for the majority. It would help if the small collapsible launching trolleys were used on this trip.
Our trailers carry goods in transit insurance up to a value of £75000. Our satisfied clients in the last few years include the R.Y.A./Topper International/Sarah Ayton & Shirley Robinson (Yngling Gold Medalists) Petticrows (Int.Dragon Yacht Builders)/Churchouse Boats (Drascombe Builders)/Selden Masts/Superspars etc etc
We are also able to collect arrivals at the airports of Verona or Brescia by prior arrangement. (6pax max at a time).
Please contact Alex on 0771 853 3824 (mob) or alexstorrar@yahoo.co.uk preferences together with a deposit of £150.00 payable A.Storrar to 4 Cygnets Close Redhill Surrey RH1 2QE this will be acknowledged by our invoice. The Balance is due 6 weeks before loading. In the event of cancellation, the deposit will be refunded less £25.00 admin fee on either the client or us obtaining a replacement booking.
Any queries contact Alex on 0771 853 3824 or alexstorrar@yahoo.co.uk
These items are for information only and ITCA does not endorse or take any responsibility for the services provided. The use of these companies is entirely at your own risk.
Ian Proctor Designs Ltd. Development Grant
Please see on this site the new arrangements for the grant generously supported by Ian Proctor Designs Ltd., Topper International Ltd., and ITCA.
GUL TOPPER WORLDS 2010
We can confirm that the 2010 Gul Topper World Championships will be hosted by Malcesine Sailing Club, Lake Garda supported by ITCA (Italy) from 21st to 27th August 2010. The Notice of Race will be pulished by the end of January 2010.
The Proctor's grant is awarded annually to support the development of new National Class Associations  | 
