Topper 4.2 gains RYA Pathway status.

Topper 4.2 Nationals 2010

News just in and announced at the Derwent Nationwide is that following two years of highly successful racing and training supported by ITCA (GBR) and the RYA the Topper 4.2 is now officially recognised as an RYA pathway class for Junior sailors.  The Topper 4.2 represents a real option for smaller sailors typically from around 35kg to 45kg allowing them to sail a Topper and learn all the key skills of sailing an una rigged singlehander similar to the Laser and Laser Radial without having to battle with the full 5.3 m sail.  Toppers can be picked up very cheaply at clubs all around the UK, older Toppers can be very competitive and any Topper can be converted to a 4.2 simply with the addition of a 4.2 sail.  No other parts are necessary and the sails are interchangable so a sailor can easily transition from 4.2 to 5.3 events.  Topper 4.2's are always welcome in all Topper Open events except the World Championships (only the 5.3 has ISAF International Class status at present) with the only condition being that sailors must use the same sail size throughout each event.

RYA Topper head coach David Cockerill has been a strong supporter of the Topper 4.2 as have I and one of the main reasons is that it allows smaller sailors to focus on learning to sail well in all winds.  The skills of the Topper 4.2 sailors was very much in evidence at Derwent with three of the current 4.2 squad appearing in the top 20.

Joanne Foster, Topper 4.2 Nationwide Champion 2010

Scotland has had a strong presence in the Topper 4.2 fleet and has had two sailors in the Topper 4.2 National squad.  Joanne Foster who placed 3rd at the 2009 4.2 National Championships and won the 2010 Topper 4.2 Nationwide series was a member in 2009/10 and Lewis Marr who placed 2nd in the 2011 Topper 4.2 Nationwide Series was a member in 2010/11.

Who will be next I wonder?

G.