Topper Open Training

With the dreadful winters we have experienced over the past two years there has been very little open training for Toppers in Scotland.  (Even the oppies were frozen off Strathclyde Loch) Despite this the Topper class in Scotland has continued to flourish and this is largely down to the excellent work of training officers and volunteers in clubs and area squads all around the country.   My view is that Open Training is probably best avoided in the depths of winter as the less experienced sailors need to enjoy the training and do not always have the necessary 17 layers of highly expensive racing kit that makes mid winter practice tollerable (sometimes).

One club which has an enthusiastic Topper class is Loch Vennacher and so I am pleased to be able to "trail" that plans are at an advanced stage for a Topper Open Training Weekend on 19th and 20th March 2011 which will be run by Loch Vennacher Sailing Club with support from RYA Class Pathway Officer Adam McGovern.

Further details to follow once confirmed.

G.

VHF Training

If anyone is in need of a VHF certificate there will be an opportunity for Topper parents, coaches and helpers to complete the RYA VHF radio course on either Saturday or Sunday at the Rutland Nationwide in early April.  Details can be found on the main gbrtopper website by clicking here.

Topper Worlds Website Launched

The Topper Worlds website has been launched.  Top priority for all Scottish Toppers should be to attend the Topper Nationals at North Berwick from July 30th 2011 but if you fancy a great week in Ireland too then most of the UK fleet are likely to be there....

Check out

http://www.nyc.ie/sovereignskitopperworlds2011/

Another busy weekend

Another busy weekend for Scottish Toppers.  Sammi and Rosalind are flying the saltire at Weymouth with the Topper GBR Youth Squad, Aaron and Joanne are at Hayling Island with the RYA Topper GBR Intermediate Squad and the RYA Scotland Topper Squad are resting after a busy weekend at Cumbrae last weekend.  Where is Jo B?  Is it an RYA GBR Junior Squad weekend too?

Judging from the promising results at Datchet the Topper standard is going to be very high this year which is great as we countdown to the UK Nationals at East Lothian in the Summer.

PS - has anyone seen my roofbox?  It is now missing from the camper.  60mph headwinds over Shap on the way to Cardiff last weekend may have something to do with it I guess.  50mph into a 60mph headwind equals 110mph over the roof - was that too much do you think?  Fortunately it was empty.  Hope it landed off the road - if it ever landed at all!   At least Aaron and Jo had a chance to cover loads of theory on Saturday and a good day on the water on Sunday when the wind abated enough to allow some sailing.

Ever wonder weather it's worth it?

Setting off to Cardiff with Aaron and Jo for National Intermediate Junior Squad training.  This is the weekend that was cancelled due to snow last time and this time we are setting off into Gales and rainstorms.  With 78 MPH on the bridge at 2 AM last night and over 50 being recorded now first obstacle is the detour to Kincardine as the Forth Bridge is closed to high sided vehicles and trailers.  It is going to be an interesting trip.

Les.

Datchet Winter regatta

Some fantastic results from Scottish competitors at the winter regatta last weekend, would have been even better if Aaron had remembered to Tally on Saturday!  221 entrants suggests a very busy season ahead.  Remember to plan to be at the Nationals at North Berwick.  With three regatta fleets as well as fleet racing in Gold, Silver and bronze Fleets there will be something for everyone.

Well done all.

Full winter regatta results at http://www.sailracer.org/results_report.asp?event=15358&usr=216363109

G.

Traveller Update

I am sorry to have to confirm that the planned events for Travellers series 5 and 6 at Aberdeen and Stonehaven will not be able to go ahead.  Unfortunately ASYC were keen to have an open event for us but not during their main regatta.  This meant the date available was in mid August but unfortunately most of the Scottish fleet will be traveling to Ireland for the worlds, or should be, so I cannot arrange an ITCA event on that weekend.  The following weekend was a possibility at Loch Lomond but is the preferred date for the very popular RYA Windward mark trophy event.  My feeling is that it would not be fair to hold a Topper racing event in competition with the windward mark and I would prefer that any Toppers available that weekend lend their support to the Windward mark event.

I am speaking to various clubs about the weekends 27/28 August and 2/3 September in the hope of agreeing an alternative event then.  Largs, Vennacher, Royal Gourock and Loch Lomond are the the most likely venues but I am currently open to offers/suggestions.

G.