ITCA World is reinstating the Topper European Championships in 2026, last held in Ireland and won by Bleddyn Mon in 2005. The 2026 edition will be hosted by Vikings Sailing Club, based in Floriana, Malta.
Malta has been chosen as the ideal location for a springtime championships, due to its excellent weather conditions and popularity as a year-round sailing destination. Sailors from all Topper nations have requested more international events to test their skills against fresh competition, and Malta's warm climate provides the perfect solution. The average daytime temperature is around 18 °C, while the sea temperature is 16 °C, similar to the conditions in Medemblik last July. The Championship dates are 28th to 31st March, during the Easter holidays. Registration will open on Friday, 27th and close at 12.00 on Saturday, 28th.
Hosted by Vikings Sailing Club, based in the safe waters of Marsamxett Harbour, the race course will be outside, off the Slima shore, allowing ideal spectator viewing.
There is plenty of accommodation nearby, with the 5 Star Grand Hotel next door to the Vikings club supporting the event with discounted room rates, available from March 26th to April 2nd. Bookings have to be made before 2nd February to qualify for the discounted rate. There is also the 4 Star hotel Alexandra, offering a lower-cost option; details will be advised shortly.
The Notice of Race is available here.
The Grand Hotel Excelsior, overlooking Marsamxett Harbour
Excelsior Deluxe Garden view room
Vikings Sailing Club location: The race course will be outside the harbour, off the Sliema shore. The Grand Hotel Excelsior is next to the sailing club and has its own marina.
Flights from the airports across the UK and Ireland with EasyJet and Ryanair are inexpensive at this time of year, typically around £236 from Gatwick, including a 23kg bag.
ITCA World has arranged for boats to be transported directly to the venue from the UK south coast by road, on two multi-boat trailers that can accommodate 25 Toppers each. This facility ensures your boat will be back in time for the NS event at Rutland on the 11th April, and could be delivered straight there by prior arrangement. Irish sailors are welcome to use this transport option if their boats can be delivered to the South Coast. The basic cost is just £400 per boat, including all necessary documentation and official ATA Carnet. There will be no charter boats available in Malta, but coach boat rental is possible. Contact Simon Philbrick or Russell New to book your trailer space. Bookings will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis, and additional arrangements can be made for preferred drop-off locations.
Further details will be published here when we have them.
