Scottish Topper News

Latest Scottish Toppers Newsletter

2011-12-08T12:52:00.001-08:00

The latest Scottish Toppers newsletter is now available on http://www.facebook.com/scottishtoppers
G.

Winter 2011 Newsletter

2011-12-08T04:14:00.001-08:00

Scottish Topper Winter Newsletter now available to download
http://www.gbrtopper.co.uk/e107_files/public/stt1a.pdf

ISAF Sailing Worlds 2011

2011-12-07T02:29:00.000-08:00

Racing is now underway in Perth, Australia for the 2011 ISAF Olympic Classes World Championships. With both Luke Patience and Charlotte Dobson looking to confirm their places at the 2012 Olympics there is much at stake. Follow the action via www.scottishradials.blogspot.com

G.

Strathclyde Loch Christmas Regatta 2011 - See you there?

2011-11-23T13:33:00.001-08:00

Top tips for fast Toppers

2011-11-23T13:24:00.000-08:00

One thing that you don't want is your mast waggling about in the mast gate wasting energy and knocking the flow of wind off your sails. Complex tricks have evolved using wraps of electrical tape over spacers like reclaimed plastic bottles to try and create mast chafe pads to fill the gap between the mast gate and the mast just above the collar. Now there is a simple new solution. Check out this special protect tape from P&B. http://www.pinbax.com/index.asp?selection=detailed&uid=39340&itemtitle=

G.

Scottish Open Race Traing

2011-09-26T01:23:00.001-07:00

Hi All,

This is advanced warning that Scottish Open Race Training are organising Topper & Laser Training at Helensburgh Sailing Club on the weekend of 15th & 16th October. We may be able to offer some Topper 4.2 and Laser training could include 4.7 rig if there is enough demand. The cost will be around £70 per sailor and the coaches will be Michael Gorskowski and Robin Paris. Registration will be available soon via SORT’s website.

http://scottishracing.org/wp

Zone Championships this weekend

2011-09-23T10:55:00.000-07:00

Looks like a great entry and good winds in store for the RYA Scottish Area Zone Championships at Largs this weekend.

http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/?article=159625

g.

Prestwick Traveller

2011-09-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

Just a few days to go to the final Topper Traveller of 2011 at Prestwick. The wind looks excellent for Saturday with a possibility of light winds and perhaps an early finish on Sunday?

Jack, Lewis and Aaron are all in a good position to win the series overall so it will be an interesting weekend. Prestwick is also recognized as a secondary indicator for squad so well worth getting there if you can.

I have sent the trophies but I cannot be there in person as my parents are celebrating 50, YES FIFTY, years together as a married couple and they wont be doing that again!

Good luck everyone.

Largs Traveller

2011-09-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

Largs had light shifty winds with Aaron winning the first two races followed by Jack and Lewis. Jack took the honours in race three being pushed all the way by Lewis, Calum Rosie sailed well and finished 3^rd, Aaron had to return to start after being over the line and recovered to fourth therefore Jack led Aaron and Lewis overnight separated by a few points. Sunday dawned to light winds again with Lewis storming to victory followed by Ryan Macintyre then Calum Rosie. Race 5 was again dominated by Lewis with Jack and Aaron trailing in his wake. Going into the final race it could be either Lewis, Jack or Aaron that would take the overall spoils depending on the finishing order. Aaron led from start to finish with Lewis sailing in to finish second, third was Ryan who just pipped the ever improving Calum Rosie. The last race result gave overall victory to Lewis over Aaron by one point. The final event will be at Prestwick where the Series title will be decided with four to count from six races it will be either Jack, Lewis or Aaron that will be crowned Scottish Traveller Series Winner. Prestwick is an secondary indicator for squad selection so if you intend or are applying for squads then you should be sailing at Prestwick.

1^st Lewis Marr

2^nd Aaron Murray

3^rd Jack Aitken

4^th Calum Rosie.

Regatta Fleet

1^st Calum Dingley

2^nd Robbie Peacock

Results http://www.largssc.co.uk/sites/default/files/publications/2011/Topper%20Traveller%202011_0.htm

September Events

2011-08-27T01:48:00.000-07:00

Forthcoming Events in September

Scottish Topper Traveller 5 - Largs Sailing Club - 3rd/4th September 2011

GBR Topper Nationwide 4 - Pwllheli SC (Wales) - 10th/11th September 2011

Scottish Topper Traveller 6 - Prestwick Sailing Club - 17th/18th September 2011

RYA Scotland Zone Championships 2011 - Largs Sailing Club - 24th/25th September 2011

Please Note:- Last entry for the Zone Championships is 20th September 2011 and must be made on line at the RYA Pages on Sailracer. Anyone who wishes to be considered for squads in 2011/12 must register their interest online via the RYA and also sail at the Zone Championships or contact the RYA High Performance Manager to agree an alternative plan. On line registration is the single entry point for both national and regional squads.

Volvo Champion Club Regatta 2012

2011-08-27T01:38:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is enjoying a weekend off or perhaps rediscovering their local sailing club?

Last Saturday saw the Annual RYA Scotland Volvo Champion Club Regatta hosted this year at Loch Tummel SC. The event which is firmly aimed at encouraging club level junior sailors to take their first steps into travelling to regional and national level events comprised a morning of coaching for the sailors whilst RYA Pathway Development Officer Adam McGovern met the parents and gave a comprehensive introduction to the RYA Pathway classes and Junior and Youth Racing in Scotland and the UK. In the afternoon three highly competitive inter-club races were held in the Optimist, Topper and RS Feva Classes.

Overall club winners this year were Loch Tummel SC securing victory by one point despite a very strong challenge by Helensburgh SC. Read the RYA report here and look out for the full results inclusding individual sailors positions on www.lochtummelsc.org.

Latest Topper News

2011-08-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

Joanna Barrie

Samantha 2nd Silver Fleet

Well that's the small Scottish team back from the Worlds. A good showing, though sadly not spectacular but very promising for next year with Lewis, Joanne and Arron all posting top ten results in individual races and all eligible to compete again as Juniors next year. Joanna Barrie also performed very well, especially at the beginning of the week and Samantha had a slow start but remembered her Topper skills by the end to secure a place at the prize giving with 2nd overall and first female in the silver fleet.

Dugal and Rory Wilson, plus Lindsay and Scott Johnstone were also enjoying their first experience of a Topper World Championships.

Lewis Marr

Joanne Foster

Aaron Murray

I hope you all found the Championships blog on the special event web site and have enjoyed following our progress. Sorry I was not Scottish specific updates this time.

These are examples of the many great photo's available to buy from the official event photographer on www.fotosail.com

LARGS SAILING CLUB TRAVELLER

Please be aware that the next Scottish Traveller Event is at LARGS SC on 3rd and 4th September. This is a replacement for the original plan to go to Loch Lomond which fell through. Largs are hosting us specially so please make the effort to attend. This is the venue for the 2011 Zone Championships so with just a few weeks to go to the Zones there could not be a better chance to brush up on sailing at the event venue. You can enter on the day at Largs. Alistair Leicester is the club contact. Further details will appear on the Largs SC web site.

Sovereign Ski Topper World Championships 2011

2011-08-06T23:42:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Topper World Championships will shortly take place from the National Yacht Club based in Dun Laoghhaire on Dublin Bay.

Click here to link to the event mini site.

Nationals Report

2011-08-06T23:21:00.000-07:00

Wast Lothian Yacht Club were a fantastic host for the 2011 Topper National Championships. Despite very challenging weather conditions a championship series was held with four races in the qualifying series then four races in the resulting Bronze, Silver and Gold Fleets. Day 1-5 were held in very challenging light conditions with various interruptions for torrential rain or sea harr reducing visbility below safe levels but the competitiors sprits sayed high.

Friday dawned with sunshine and a good 15 mph Westerley with occassional 20-25 mph gusts and the resulting champagne sailing conditions did at least give the competitiors a taste of East Lothian at its awsome best.

Overall Winner was Gyles Kuzak of Parkstone Yacht Club slipping in front of a very consistent Matt Vennables from Sutton during that last day. Laura Gilmore from Strangford Lough who had led with a string of first places in the lighter winds could not sustain the challenge in the breeze and finished first female in 6th overall. Curtis Mearns also enjoyed the breeze to take third overall.

Top Scott was Jack Aitken (JDP) in 32nd overall. With only four races held in very light breezes the gold fleet was packed out with current Topper 4.2 National squad sailors enjoying the chance to excel with the extra size of the 5.3 sail. With only one discard there was little room for black flags or errors and several of our top sailors were dissapointed not to make the gold fleet cut in what was to proove a very mixed up set of early results.

Current 4.2 Scottish Star Lewis Marr did make Gold fleet and hung on in the breeze to finish 70th in GOLD and second Scottish sailor overall whilst National Squad Sailors Joanna Barrie (NJS) and Aaron Murray (NIJS) just missed Gold and were 6th and 8th in Silver respectively.

Perhaps the most dissapointed of all was Joanne Foster (NIJS) who might have been a good bet for a top 20 in a breezy event but was lying in the 220's after day one and could not avoid the cut for Bronze fleet! Fortunately some running repairs solved the problem and she was able to conclude with a 1,3,3,1 scoreline, the only competitor in any fleet to "medal" in every race of the championship series and recovered from 39th to 3rd overall in Bronze.

There are day by day reports on Yachts and Yachting. The full results and some event pictures are best viewed on the event mini site at http://www.sailracer.us/eventsites/default_eventmode.asp?eventid=63171

The results are currently mixed by fleet so there are three first places then three seconds etc. These are the gold, silver and bronze fleet positions.

Next up is the Sovereign Ski Topper World Championships in Ireland starting on 15th August 2011. Lets hope for a more favourable week of weather in Dublin Bay. Click here for the Worlds Minisite.

Topper 4.2 Flourishing at North Berwick

2011-08-04T11:28:00.000-07:00

Just could not resist pointing out the 33 boat Topper 4.2 Regatta Fleet at the Topper Nationals at North Berwick.

Aberdeen and Stonehaven Regatta 2011

2011-08-03T06:25:00.000-07:00

The ASYC Open Regatta will take place on 13/14 August (in just over a week), woefully at the same time as the Worlds in Ireland. However, more the reason to make a splash and try out a new venue.

While no longer part of the Topper traveller series, the racing should be very competitive and interesting.
Stonehaven is one of the most picturesque and interesting sailing venues in the country.
Aberdeen & Stonehaven Yacht club would love to welcome as many Toppers come as possible. Two years ago the travelling Optimist fleet voted ASYC as one of their most popular and friendly venues.
Topper Main fleet sailors are invited to compete amongst the General Handicap fleet - the Development fleet will join the Optimist Regatta fleet on a smaller and fully coached course.
There will be separate prizes for both the Topper main class and Topper Development class.

Event registration via http://www.kbsuk.com/optimist/scotland/index.asp?EventID=72
For more information about the club and NOR check out http://www.asyc.org.uk/

A fully catered for event with even the offer of space on the club house floor if you are struggling to find accommodation.

So what are you waiting for.....

Scottish Topper Championships 2011

2011-07-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

Helensburgh Sailing Club provided a warm welcome for the Topper and Optimists for their combined Scottish Championships. Sadly winds were a little lacking but with some patience all six races were held and the racing could not have been any closer with at least ten boats vying for every race win.

Amongst the boys it was to be a close battle, race by race between 2010 National Champion Aaron Murray and Lewis Marr enjoying the extra power of the 5.3 after a highly successful season in the 4.2, having finished runner up in the Great Britain 4.2 Nationwide series 2010. Jack Aitken found the lighter winds less to his liking and ruled himself out with two OCS whilst Dean Malcolm was always close but had to settle for third.

For the girls it was equally close fought. Joanne Foster led from the start with a third overall in race one and managed to hold of the strong challenge from Kae Clark and Joanna Barrie until the all important final race when Kae mounted a late charge, winning race 5 overall and then keep Joanne behind her in race 6 to draw level on points and became 2011 girls Champion by the most firsts procedure.

In the Regatta fleet the competition was equally close with Robbie Peacock again finishing on equa lpoints to Tom Graham with Robbie getting the first place, again on a most firsts count back. First girl was Georgia MacLeod.

So both Champions became worthy winners having had to fight all the way in very tricky conditions.

Thank you to Helensburgh Sailing Club for a fantastic no hassle event in brilliant sunshine.

For full results click here.

Brown Cup Results

2011-07-24T05:05:00.001-07:00

Remember the 2011 Brown Cup? Well here are the results!.

G.

ITCA (GBR) National Championships 2011 - East Lothian Yacht Club

2011-07-21T04:18:00.000-07:00

Click picture to link to event mini-site

Here is the link for the Topper GBR National Championships Website in case anyone has not yet found it and is looking for information. Would any parent who is attending please make themselves available for duties on our Area day which is Friday and also consider helping out with arrivals on Saturday when we need at least ten helpers to take a turn on the registration desk. I will be at helensburgh this weekend and will be holding a parents meeting whilst the sailors are out racing so we can get names in the frame please. We can also sort out arrangemnts for on shore support for the sailors.

Graham

Championship Season

2011-07-20T10:14:00.000-07:00

On final approach now for the Scottish Topper Championships at Helensburgh Sailing Club this weekend and the UK Nationals at North Berwick the week after. The details including Notice of Race were on the Helensburgh SC website at http://www.helensburghsailingclub.co.uk/files/2011/T&O_Scottish_2011_NoR.pdf. Entries arealso being taken on the day so hope to see you all at Helensburgh on Saturday.

There are now 32 Scottish Toppers on the entry list for the UK Nationals which is a little dissappointing given we managed to field the same number in Wales but perhaps we Scots just travel well!

We will be duty Area on Friday so will need volunteers for a variety of shore based and on water helper roles that day. Beachmaster, On water blogger, on shore blogger (needs a laptop),Tally team, trolley dollies etc. Also a couple of folks to help Susan set up for the prizegiving on Friday afternoon.

I have also been asked to find a few folks to help at registration on Saturday and Sunday (a good way to meet lots of the sailors).

We will be planning to erect our Marqee (actually it's a little pagoda) with bunting etc and to serve hot pasta to our sailors before launching each day if we can a get a team together. Lelsey and Sam have now left for La Rochelle (Laser Radial Youth Worlds) so I can pay some attention to Toppers now and will be at Helensburgh so I am hoping we can firm up our plans there.

Graham

Pre -Worlds Open Coaching and Event Support

2011-07-17T09:31:00.000-07:00

Topper World Championships 2011

Pre- Worlds Coaching and Coach Support throughout the event

ITCA GBR are organising a day’s pre-event coaching and coach support throughout the event for any sailors who would be interested, who have not already got this through their squad, or do not belong to a squad.

The days coaching will be on Saturday 13^th August, and coach support will be daily throughout the event. This will include daily briefings before sailing, support on the water and a daily debrief, and support at protests if required.

If you are interested in signing up for this, you are asked to contact Andy Millington [o7973346l5l] by Monday 25^th July, and he will then be able to let you know how much it will cost, depending on the numbers.

If you would like any further information, please email Andy or give him a ring, or to view the Main Topper web site click here.

Topper Scottish Championships 2011

2011-07-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is ready to head to Helensburgh next weekend, 23/24th July 2011 for the Topper and Optimist Scottish Championships.

For the notice of race and event details please click here.

29er Demonstrations at UK Topper Nationals

2011-07-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

Scottish Sailing were at Derwent Resevoir on Sunday collecting their first 29er demonstrator. Demo sails can now be arranged with Duncan Hepplewhite and the 29er will be at North Berwick during the UK Topper National Championships for demo sails. Currently a new 29er can be secured for just a £500 deposit and there are also a few ex ISAF worlds boats, used one week only available soon.

RYA Scotland Volvo Champion Club Trophy

2011-07-05T07:53:00.000-07:00

Calling all club sailors, it is time to sign up for the 2011 Volvo Champion Club Trophy on 20th August at Loch Tummel.

Topper 4.2 gains RYA Pathway status.

2011-07-04T13:19:00.000-07:00

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.

Derwent Reservoir Results

2011-07-04T12:52:00.000-07:00

Despite the uninspiring forecast of zero wind the Topper Annual Camping expedition to Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club, West of Newcastle was interrupted by some racing....

Launching on Saturday was delayed until late afternoon when a gentle Easterly crept over the Dam allowing one race to be sailed before it was deemed too late for the little ones (some competitors were just 10) and the fleet was brought ashore.

Sunday dawned way to early after the night before but with a promising 11 knots from the Norrth West. Although race 2 got away as early as permitted Race 3 was abandoned, restarted and abandoned again as the breeze died and veered repeatedly.

With no discards there was little room for errors in the highly competitive 196 boat fleet. Star of the Scottish Topper show this time was Topper Youth Squad and Scottish Radial Squad member Samantha Foster finishing 12th overall having actually led two of the three races, although sadly never on the crucial final leg! Next up was Jack Aitken continuing his highly successful season with 26th overall and then Lewis Marr in 40th who was also collecting prizes by virtue of being 2nd overall in the 2011 Topper 4.2 Nationwide Series which concluded last week at Cardiff Bay Yacht Club.

Full results are now posted at http://www.sailracer.org/results_report.asp?event=18258

G.

Scottish Sailing to be 29er agents

2011-07-01T02:17:00.000-07:00

Interesting news just in is that Ovington Sailboats have appointed Duncan Hepplewhite and Scottish Sailing as their Scottish agents and they will be promoting Ovington sailboats especially the 29er fleet in Scotland.

Look out for forthcoming opportunities including demo sails at North Berwick around the dates of the Nationals.

Scottish Sailing

The Dinghy specialist

07817 704 637

01324 861 756

www.sailingfast.co.uk

Skype: scottishsailing

Topper Nationals 2011 - North Berwick

2011-06-20T08:35:00.000-07:00

Topper Nationals - Event Support

On the 31st July - 5th August 2011 the UK Topper Championships come to Scotland and RYA Scotland will be at the event to provide support for all Scottish Topper Sailors.

RYA Scotland will this year be offering event support for all non-squad sailors to ensure they get the most out of the Championships. The support is free for all Scottish sailors - all you need to do is register your interest with Adam McGovern 'Club & Pathway Development Officer' by emailing adam.mcgovern@ryascotland.org.uk

When registering please include the following information:

Sailor Name

Sail Number

Championship Number

Contact Email / Phone

We also have a small number of Toppers available free of charge; they will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.

You can enter the Topper Championships HERE

Regards,

Adam McGovern

Club and Pathway Development Officer

RYA Scotland

0131 466 4670

07795248859

Derwent Reservoir Entry Deadline

2011-06-18T04:35:00.000-07:00

Please note the usual late entry fee will apply for entries for Nationwide 3 (Derwent Resevoir) if entry is made after 20th June. The actual event is on 2/3 July. Derwent Reservoir is a great club, just over Hadrians Wall with a huge camping field on site for tents, campers and caravans.

Definately NOT an event to be missed. Even with the late entry fee it has to be a great bargain. Just think of all the fuel you will save compared with a trip to Grafham or Weymouth!

Graham

Ferry Deals for Topper Worlds

2011-06-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to the Ferry deals website for the 2011 Soverign Ski Topper Worlds in Dun Laoghaire (near Dublin), Ireland. You need to know the event code which is TOPPER2011

http://www.stenaline.co.uk/specialevent

The event microsite is at

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

Weymouth Nationwide

2011-05-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

Preliminiary Report from Weymouth Nationwide. Saturday was wild so the organisers sent the 4.2 fleet out to their race course and kept the 5.3's on shore. With winds of around 30 Knots (thats a lot!)in the starting area the 4.2's promptly returned to the shore and the 5.3's stayed dry. Sunday dawned equally windy so this time it was the 4.2 fleet who decided to show their good manners and let the 5.3's launch first. Not surprisingly it was a considerably depleted 5.3 fleet which eventiually started with around 30 boats from each flight giving two starts of around 60 boats. With winds still hitting the 30 knot plus range it was a day for the brave and the determined but one race was successfully completed before the OOD fianlly accepted the inevitable and sent the fleet home. So one race for the 5.3's sadly not enough to count as a series but at least worthy of awarding much dererved prizes. No racing at all for 4.2's.

Overall victory was therefore shared between David Clark of Shotwick Sailing Club and Jamie Catchpole of Leigh and Lowton.

Scotland hero was Aaran Murray of Loch Earn SC who showed the same determination as had won him a third at Dalgety Bay the week before and was rewarded with a very creditable 26th place overall. Well done Aaron.

Now it is off the Pwllheli for a week of National Intermediate Junior Squad training with Deputy National Topper Coach Adam Cockerill.

Full results are on line at http://www.sailracer.org/results_report.asp?event=17904

Full Results from Dalgety Bay

2011-05-25T14:26:00.001-07:00

For full results from Dalgety Bay click here.

G.

Dalgety Bay SC Early Results

2011-05-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

Early results from a wild and windy Dalgety Bay. No racing Saturday after launching was abandoned as the 76 boat fleet proved unable to safely launch due to the squalls and sea state. Racing on Sunday was in very challenging conditions and just two races were completed.

No results posted yet but from memory the podium was as follows:-

1st Jack Aitken
2nd Joanne Foster
3rd Aaron Murray

G.

Don't forget to come to Dalgety Bay this weekend

2011-05-19T14:33:00.000-07:00

Topper Gear For Sale at Wormit Boating Club

2011-05-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

for sale.....We have various club Toppers for sale, in various conditions, we have twelve at Wormit Boating club, near Dundee, and are looking to sell four boats. Prices from 550.00 to 850.00 approximately. All toppers come with centre mains, cover and trolley.

Also 4.2m topper sail for sale , good condition..£70.00 ono.

Two brand new tera's for sale, unused, £800.00 each.

For more details on all of above , please contact Robbie Wilson on Robbie Wilson or tel O7711 3822O7.

Wanted, drysuit for an 8 to 10 year old. contact Robbie Wilson or tel O77113822O7

Enter NOW for East Lothian Regatta

2011-05-14T13:54:00.000-07:00

Please note that East Lothian Regatta on 4/5 June is the next traveller after Dalgety Bay. If you plan to compete you need to know that although this is a large multi-class event, ELYC is limiting entries across all classes to 140. This means that you need to enter now to be sure of a place. There will be no redress in the traveller series for boats unable to compete due to the entry limit.

Entries are made on line via the club website.

Click here to go to the web page for entries.

Good Luck

Graham

Brown Cup 2011

2011-05-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

Be there or be square
You just MUST!

ISAF confirms classes for 2016 Olympic games

2011-05-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

ISAF confirms events for the 2016 Olympic Sailing Competition at 2011 ISAF Mid-Year Meeting in St Petersburg, Russia.
ISAF President Göran Petersson led the ISAF Council in more than three hours of debate and discussion before the ten events were decided. Over 50 Submissions were received for consideration following the changes to the process for selecting events and equipment that was agreed in November 2010.
The ten events selected by the ISAF Council for the 2016 Olympic Sailing Competition are:

Men’s Board or Kiteboard - evaluation
Women’s Board or Kiteboard - evaluation
Men’s One Person Dinghy - Laser
Women’s One Person Dinghy - Laser Radial
Men’s 2nd One Person Dinghy - Finn
Men’s Skiff - 49er
Women’s Skiff – Evaluation
Men's Two Person Dinghy - 470
Women's Two Person Dinghy - 470
Mixed Two Person Multihull - Evaluation

see www.yachtsandyachting.com for further comment.

Jamie Calder wins place in Optimist Worlds Team

2011-05-08T02:51:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Scotland's Jamie Calder who finished 5th in the GBR Optimist World Championships Team Selection Trials at Pwllheli last weekend and has been selected to attend the Optimist World Championships. Jamie, aged 12 is only the 4^th Scot ever to make the Worlds team, very well done Jamie!!

Seven Scottish Optimists were invited to compete in the 70 boat fleet. The objective of the GBR Selections, is to choose teams to represent GBR at the Optimist Worlds, Europeans, Pre-Worlds, and Flanders Youth Regatta. This event has been described as the most challenging event in UK Oppie racing. Participation is by invitation so it is a top class fleet, everyone is good, there are 4 to 5 races per day, scrutinised by RYA and the independent Selectors.

This year the trials comprised a 4 day regatta at Pwllheli, North Wales. Conditions were uniformly windy until the last day. 14 races scheduled but only 5 completed. All five races therefore counted with no discard and consistency was the key.

Results – Jamie Calder finished 5^th, GBR Worlds Squad, aged 12. Alasdair Ireland finished 17^th, in GBR squad for Flemish Youth Regatta. Well done Alasdair!

Scottish Topper Traveller 2 - Dalgety Bay

2011-05-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

This will be a great event with some top class racing in the main fleets, but also with a separate race course for less experienced sailors near to the club – with good viewing from the clubhouse. We hope that this mix, plus free camping on club grounds will attract a good mix of sailors and families for a great weekend.

Lewis wins Topper Natiowide

2011-05-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

Lewis Marr won Topper 4.2 Nationwide 2 at Grafham this weekend. With a convincing scoreline of 1,1,3,1,1,1,2,1,2 Lewis led the 33 boat 4.2 fleet from start to finish in the breezy event.
Well done Lewis.

Preliminary results from INLANDS.

2011-05-01T09:11:00.000-07:00

By text from a very windy Grafham. Overal victory went to Robbie Robinson. Top Scots were:-
Samantha 38, Aaron 43, Dean 45, Joanne 52, Jack 53, Kae 55. (updated at 17.20) Full results now at http://www.sailracer.org/results_report.asp?event=16960&usr=644778624
(labelled as 4.2!)

4.2 results to follow - Lewis was leading overnight.
G.

Topper Inland Championships 2011

2011-04-29T13:54:00.000-07:00

279 Toppers converging on Grafham Water this weekend for the 2011 Inland Championships (246 boats) and 4.2 Nationwide Series 2 (33 boats). Plenty of Scots have made the trip. Good luck all.
G.

2011 Programme

2011-04-24T04:25:00.001-07:00

ITCA (GBR) Membership

2011-04-18T03:50:00.000-07:00

Accoroding to my latest message from ITCA we have only 22 paid up members in Scotland. As we had over 30 at both the last two Nationals this is seems a very small number. Everyone who plans to partcipate at the North Berwick Nationals this summer will require to have a championship number and be an ITCA member so come one everyone - you might as well pay up now and get the benefits of a full years memebership for your hard earned cash!

Please vsist www.gbrtopper.co.uk and follow the links to the membership section where you can pay on line via sailracer.

Please be aware that only 999 championship numbers exist and with the increasing muber of active sailors around the world they are in very short supply. Unless you pay up on time your number may well have to be allocated to another sailor.

Graham

Strathclyde Loch Spring Regatta is on the 8th MAy 2011

2011-04-18T03:37:00.000-07:00

Topper Open Training

2011-04-18T03:25:00.000-07:00

There will be a Topper Open Training Day at Largs SC with head coach Emma Wilkie on Saturday the 28th of May 2011. Please spread the word.

Graham.

Annandale Results

2011-04-18T02:26:00.000-07:00

Sorry I did not get back in time to join you at Annandale. We missed a great event by all accounts. Alec reports Annandale as a club that really understands Junior sailing and for once I am in full agreement.

Winds over the weekend were generally light but all six races were completed. The chocolates on this occassion (it is Easter after all) went to Aaron Murray after a most firsts countback with Kae Clark tied on Net points. Third was Lewis Marr, (repeating his result from the very well attended 4.2 Nationwide at Rutland last week).

Drew Mitchel Annandale from was victor in the Regatta fleet.

Here are the full results:-

Rank	Sail No	Club	Helm
1st	44782	Loch Earn SC	Aaron Murray
2nd	45409	Helensburgh	Kae Clark
3rd	46172	Largs	Lewis Marr
4th	45515	Lochaber YC	Ryan MacIntyre
5th	45806	Largs	Ross MacLean
6th	45772	Helensburgh	Jack Aitken
7th	46836	Helensburgh	David Abraham
8th	45644	Helensburgh	Calum Wilson
9th	43842	Largs	Dean Malcolm
10th	45737	Helensburgh	Andrew Mitchell
11th	25759	Loch Venacher	Rory Wilson
12th	45742	Loch Venacher	Dugal Wilson
13th	45400	Craignish	Mara Lyon
14th	34598	Helensburgh	Calum Rosie
15th	45631	Largs	Lindsay Johnstone
16th	14575	Aberdeen& Stonehaven	Callum Symmons
17th	42670	Westlothian	Harriet Reeder
18th	41791	Wormit	Martin Blewett
19th	40624	Loch Venacher	Rachel Dingley
20th	43581	Aberdeen& Stonehaven	Rona Rose
21st	45778	Lochcarron	Fraser Kitson Jones

Regatta Fleet

Rank	Sail No	Club	Helm
1st	41189	Annandale	Drew Mitchell
2nd	118	Annandale	Jamie Baulcombe

Annandale Traveller 1

2011-04-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

It is Finally time for our first traveller event of 2011 at Annandale this weekend.

Briefing is at 12.00 on Satruday 16th April with the first race at 13.00. The club is situated on Castle Loch in Lochmaben which is just a few miles due West of Lockerbie. Six races areschedules and entries will be accepted at the club on the day. We are sharing with the Optimists so with an expected entry of around 80 boats in total there will be limited parking and no Motor homes or campers at the club please. There are several campsites close by which well be pleased to accomodate you.

On Saturday night there will be a social from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. Hot food will be provided for all. Sailors meal is included in the price. Adults £6.00, Children 12 and under £4.00 children under 5 free. MENU Pasta Bolognaise (meat and vegie) Jacket potato Chilli (meat and vegie) with rice Jacket potato, garlic bread, salad and choice of deserts. As the event is in the Church Hall there will be no alcohol allowed on the premises. Diluting juice, tea and coffee will be provided free, other soft drinks will be available to purchase. Of course people are welcome to bring their own soft drinks. Please email Richard Bryant (address at right) with any dietary requirements.

With Sammi en route to Youth Squad residential training and Jo drafted in to 420 crewing it looks like the Fostertravelling roadshow will not be back in time to participate this time. Will someone e-mail me the full results please?

Have a great weekend.

G.

Toppers on top at RYA Spring Championships

2011-04-05T14:18:00.000-07:00

Joanne gets a Sheepish cover upwind

Despite an increasingly strong showing by our friends in the little square boxes it was still the Topper class who managed the largest turnout at the RYA Spring Championships at Largs last weekend.

Jack Aitken took the overall prize with Joanna Barrie second.

Read all about it on Yachts and Yachting or view and buy Alan Henderson's great photos on fotoboat.

Topper Hull Plates

2011-03-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

Whilst visiting the Royal Tay Yacht Club today i was concerned to see the very poor state of the hull plates (the replaceable bit in the bottom of a Topper the takes all the damage to stop the hull being broken) on the clubs training boats. Over the years I have replaced many slightly damaged ones on race boats and all those which I have discarded were probably better than the ones on many club Toppers.

I would love to help clubs which use Toppers with supplying any surplus spare bits so if anyone has any surplus Topper kit, hull plates especially can you give them to me when we next meet at an event and I will see that they get put to use in one of the many clubs which are introducing youngsters to the joys of sailing and Toppers in particular.

Graham

RIBS for Topper Nationals

2011-03-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

If anyone can offer or bring a RIB for the Topper Nationals at North Berwick can you please contact the ITCA GBR Ribmaster via www.gbrtopper.co.uk.

Parents who bring RIBS will receive help with mileage, a free entry for one sailor, fuel for the week and all berthing and launch fees will be paid for you.

Thanks

Graham

Spring Champs Flyer

2011-03-23T15:25:00.000-07:00

Scottish Topper Programme 2011

2011-03-19T16:09:00.001-07:00

RYA Spring Championships

2011-03-18T03:49:00.000-07:00

Just two weeks to go to the RYA Spring championships at Largs. This an open event for all Topper sailers and definitely the place to be seen if you are thinking of a squad application for next year. All the RYA Youth and Junior Classes will be there so it will be a greta weekend.

Please enter now at http://www.sailracer.org/events/event-v2.asp?eventid=71496

G.

Topper Open Training at Loch Vennacher

2011-03-15T14:15:00.000-07:00

This is just a reminder that there is Topper Open training Available at Loch Vennacher this weekend. Highly recommnded to iron out the wrinkles before the 2011 season! See earlier post below.

Brown Cup 2011

2011-03-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

Topper Open Training

2011-02-21T12:35:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-16T05:56:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-12T04:05:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-02-04T08:56:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-02T15:09:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-02T15:03:00.000-08:00

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.

Luke settles for bronze

2011-01-30T02:42:00.000-08:00

It was a difficult final day for Luke Patience on the final day of the Miami Olympic Classes Regatta. Despite never dropping below 2nd in the fleet racing stages Luke's 10th in the final, double points, medal race left enough clear space for fellow Skandia Team GBR sailors Nick Asher and Elliot Wills to slip past into Gold with the silver going to the French. Ooh la la!

A full report is at http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/?article=155527

Laser Radial Action at Miami OCR

Miami Olympic Classes Regatta

2011-01-26T14:23:00.000-08:00

It has been a good day for Luke Patience at the Miami Olympic Classes Regatta as he and Crew Stuart move up from 2nd to first overall.

Giles Scott has also been dominant in the early racing in the Finn class.

http://RMOCR.ussailing.org/

Topper Worlds 2011 - Stenna Line deals

2011-01-15T12:22:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for transport to the Topper Worlds in Dun Laoghaire (Dublin) this August (if not, why not?) then check out Stenna line. This weeks offer includes a motor home ticket for the normal cost of a car space. And Tesco vouchers count one for three on Stenna line bookings so for every £10 of Tesco points you can have £30 of Stenna line tickets.

It's pronounced dun leary by the way.

Act fast, these latest offers close this week.

2011 Events - update

2011-01-08T15:04:00.000-08:00

It seems ASYC and Loch Lomond would prefer us to visit one week earlier than the dates I had originally requested. As ITCA world has now confirmed the Topper Worlds in Dublin from Sunday 14th to Friday 19th August and I would expect most Scottish boats will want to be there, unfortunately the ASYC event is unlikely to be viable on the new date of 13/14th August and the Loch Lomond event will be difficult if we go with 20/21st August. Both clubs may have open events on another date so I will need to consider if we have any other options and revise the planned programme accordingly.

Sorry

Graham

Scottish Topper Events 2011

2011-01-06T12:58:00.000-08:00

After much shuttle diplomacy, some times more sucessful than others, it is finally time to announce the planned 2011 Scottish Topper Events. These events have all been confirmed with the host clubs and are co-ordinated with the other main Scottish Junior and Youth Classes to try to ensure we have a travelling Junior Grand Prix with events shared wherever possible with the Optimists, Laser Radials, Fevas and possibly 420's. The traveller programme will be formally announced in a notice of race in due course but I do not now expect any dates to change.

This year there will be seven traveller events, but we will retain the same number to count (four) so there is more chance to complete a series and fit in a family holiday.

There will also be five key stand alone events. These are

RYA Junior Championships, Largs, 2nd/3rd April 2011
Scottish Junior Team Racing Champs. At Strathclyde Loch Sailing Club 25/26 June 2011
Topper Scottish Championships, Helensburgh, 23/24rd July 2011
ITCA GBR Topper National Championships, North Berwick, 31st July - 5th August 2011
RYA Zone Championships, 24th/25th September 2011.

MICS Ltd.com, our 2010 series sponsor, have very generously offered support the 2011 Travellers Series which will comprise:-

MICS Ltd TT1 - Annandale 16/17 April

MICS Ltd TT2 - Dalgety Bay 21/22 May

MICS Ltd TT3 - East Lothian YC 4/5 June

MICS Ltd TT4 - Helensburgh SC 18/19 June

MICS Ltd TT5 - ~~Aberdeen and Stonehaven YC 20/21 August~~ *(not confirmed - now cancelled)

MICS Ltd TT6 - ~~Loch Lomond SC 27/28 August~~*(not confirmed - now cancelled)

MICS Ltd TT7 - Prestwick 17/18 September

This is quite a full programme but hopefully gives something for everyone.

For the first time we are planning a team racing event which will include training in the art of team racing (although some rules knowledge beforehand will help). Details will follow but this is to be a fun introduction and current plan is for entries to be from interested individuals with balanced teams being set up on the day to ensure a level playing field.

The RYA Spring Championships event in April is a new RYA event with further details to follow.

The Scottish Championships will be a one off event at Helensburgh in July with it's own sponsor and prizes and which will not be included in the traveller series.

The Inland Championship Trophy is more of a notional trophy than a national trophy as we dont have one actually! but it will be awarded to the sailor with the best cummulative result from all the races at the two "inland" events, Annandale and Loch Lomond (less discards).

A particular priority for all Scottish Toppers must be to promote the National Championships at North Berwick to all our Scottish Club sailors. The Nationals will include beginners, 4.2 Regatta, 5.3 Regatta and Main fleets and a social programme and East Lothian Yacht Club together with East Lothain Council are pulling out all the stops to try and deliver the best Topper Nationals ever. With the cricket obsessed Southerners likely to be put off by the prospect of the lengthy drive through Englandshire to get here we will need to ensure a healthy turnout of Scottish boats if the recent trend of ever increasing Nationals numbers is to be continued! Please start spreading the word around your clubs now. The Nationals is for everyone and this is our big chance to get all our Scottish Topper sailors together for a whole week inside Scotland.

G.

Boxing Day Frozen Out

2010-12-24T14:50:00.000-08:00

Sorry folks, the Boxing Day Bonanza at Royal Tay Yacht Club is the latest event which has had to be cancelled due to the freezing winter weather. Rumour has it that even the lifeboat exercise last weekend was cut short due to the risk of damaging the boat on the ice flows in the estuary.

I can only suggest you stay at home and play monopoly...Or hit the gym?

Cabin Fever?

2010-12-19T01:35:00.000-08:00

With severe winter weather forcing the cancellation of the planned Christmas Regatta at Strathclyde Loch today we all have a chance to enjoy festive fare in our own homes for once. However if all this time trapped at home beside your roaring log fire is leading you Topper sailors to Cabin Fever there are still some sailing events planned if you know where to look.

First up is the Royal Tay Yacht Clubs legendary Boxing Day Bonanza which takes place on the river Tay at Broughty Ferry on (yes - you've guessed it, on Boxing Day). Watch carefully and check the club web site though as this is another event which might well fall to further snow. www.royaltay.org

Next up is the traditional New Years Race at Largo Bay Sailing Club which is planned for January 2nd at Largo Bay in Fife. Further details are included below and as always - check the website or phone a club official before you travel. This one may be cancelled if the beach is inaccessible due to snow or ice. http://www.largobaysc.org.uk/

Finally, don't foget the ITCA (GBR) Winter Regatta which is planned for Datchet Water Sailing Club on 29th and 30th January 2011. Enter by the 14th of January via the class website on www.gbrtopper.co.uk
, if you race a Topper you can pay your annual class subscription at the same time please.

There is SNOW way to hold the Christmas Regatta

2010-12-09T09:16:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

As you will have already gathered, the recent weather has created havoc through-out the country, with snow and ice everywhere, Strathclyde Loch is no exception and has succumbed to the elements, as a result the Christmas Regatta planned for Sunday 19th has had to be cancelled.

It is our intention that, should the present weather pattern change and the ice melts, then we would have an event at some later date.
Meantime, may I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and hope to see you sometime in the New Year.

All the very best

Crawford Reid

Winter Squad Regatta Postponed

2010-12-05T05:28:00.000-08:00

Sadly, due to the adverse weather and on the advice of local police re road conditions the planned winter squad regatta on 5th and 6th December has had to be postponed with a new date to be set in the new year.

A relief for us in Fife as we were still digging our way out through very deep snow on Saturday morning.

The Second Squad Regatta planned for 12th and 13th December is still on but watch your e-mail for updates if this very cold and snowy weather continues.

Strathclyde Christmas Regatta

2010-11-13T04:41:00.000-08:00

Here are the details of Strathclyde Christmas Regatta, not a formal Topper traveller but very much a traditional winter gathering for the Topper class.

Sunday 19th December 2010 at Strathclyde Park, Briefing at 10 am, first race 10.30, 3 races are planned. Please check the club website before travelling in case of ice or severe winter weather.

Topper Worlds 2011.

2010-11-07T12:01:00.000-08:00

2011 TOPPER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

At the conclusion of the 2010 Topper World Championships at Fraglia Vela Malcesine on the beautifulLake Garda, Bill Brassington ,the new ITCA President announced his intention to publish the date of the 2011 Topper World Championships by the end of September. Last Saturday he 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 Championships will be held at theNational Yacht Club (www.nyc.ie) in Dun Laoghaire (pronounced Dunleary) in Eire from Sunday August 14^th until Friday August 19^th 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.

Scottish Topper Squad 2010/11

2010-10-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

With the squad gathering for the first time at Inverclyde for their orientation weekend I can now confirm the squad members for this year will be

Aaron Murray

Jack Aitken

Jo Barrie

Jo Foster

Iain McLaughlan

Kae Clark

David Abraham

Jessica Milford

Lewis Marr

Dean Malcolm

Andrew Mitchell

Ryan McIntyre

Carsington Nationwide

2010-10-21T11:57:00.000-07:00

Five determined Scots headed off for Alton Towers last weekend and took the chance to drop in on the final Topper GBR Nationwide event at Carsington. The weekend started well with a promising 10-14 mph Northerly breeze but alas the forecast was for it to drop steadily through the day which unfortunately it did making for very testing conditions on the racecourse.

In the 4.2 fleet Lewis Marr was consistently at the front end of the 27 boat fleet scoring 3,3,5,4,2,4,2 to take third overall.

In the 5.3 eevnt it was Samantha Foster who showed the early form opening with a 9th and a tenth to place 12th overall after 2. Alas the dying wind put an end to that with a 33 in race three! Next Scot overnight was Joanne Foster in 55 with Aaron Murray close behind on 59. Jack Aitken was also inside the top 100.

Sunday dawned and exactly as forecast the lake was a beautiful mill pond. The AP was broken out and the waiting started. Around 11 the wise owls in the bar were proved right as a fairly steady Southerly filled in and the fleet set out into a light but race-able 6mph breeze. Race two was a good one in 10 mph with several sailors seen to be sitting out but alas for race six it was back to tip toes and roll tacks.

Sammi again led the way including an impressive 4th in race 5 but found the light winds very difficult and actually dropped to a dissapointing 39th by the end. Aaron on the other hand was getting better as the wind got lighter and finished with an 18 and a 15 to overhaul Jo and finish second Scot in 57th. Jo dropped to 70th and Jack had another steady day and came home 87th.

Final places
Samantha 39th (10,9,33,39,4,42)
Aaron 57th (37,25,38,32,18,15)
Jo 70th (33,25,30,47,35,29)
Jack 87th (42,22,50,58,41,39)

This was the final event of the 2010 Nationwide Series and six Scots made the top 100.
Samanatha 29th, Alexander 33rd, Aaron 36, Jordan 62, Jessica 69, Jack 98.

Topper 4.2 National Squad Selected.

2010-10-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

For 2010/11 the National Topper 4.2 Squad will be supported financially by the RYA. The growing popularity of the Topper 4.2 for younger and lighter sailors resulted in a growth to 28 applications this year for the ITCA (GBR) Topper 4.2 National Squad. The standard of sailing during the indicator events was extremely high which made the selection process very hard. Congratulations to the following sailors who have been offered a place in the squad:

Nicola Stagg • Haydn Griffiths • Ella Methven • Elliott Kuzyk • Crispin Beaumont • Megan Bailey • Lewis Marr • Ethan Dawson • Elsa Robinson • Georgie McKenzie • Elizabeth Sherwood • Eleanor Hutchings • Nina Tilley • Miles Weekes • Alexander Hughes • Joseph Mullan • Rhiannon Flack • Halden Neilsen-Timms • Hannah Stowe.

Well done Lewis, Scotland will be relying on you to retain the Nationwide Championship won by our very own Joanne Foster in 2010!

Chuckie's Topper for Sale

2010-10-13T06:26:00.001-07:00

Click here for details.

Photograph courtesy of fotoboat.

Scottish Laser Radials Blog

2010-10-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

Well it comes to us all - well to most of us - in the end. We just reach that point when the attractions of the Topper class are insufficient for our growing needs and we find ourselves moving on. For some it is a matter of age, for some it is the lure of Olympic competition and for some it is just size that proves the deciding factor.

But fear not, for those of you who have to leave us for the Laser Radial at least, there is now a Scottish Laser Radial blog to remind you of those halcyon days of Topper sailing and to act as a notice board for all things Radial in Scotland.

Check out www.scottishradials.blogspot.com

Enjoy!

Welsh Zone Championships on BBC Wales

2010-10-10T04:07:00.000-07:00

BBC Wales carried a nice report on Welsh Junior and Youth Sailing on the 8th of October. It is currently available at the link below but may not be there for long.

The sailing starts at 17 minutes and 13 seconds into the 30 minute programme so you will want to jump forwards. See if you can spot anyone you know

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00v8qgl/Sport_Wales_08_10_2010/

Killer shrimp contained

2010-10-08T09:23:00.000-07:00

Killer shrimp found in UK waters has been contained.

Grafham Water Sailing Club suffered some minor disruption to its sailing schedule last month due to a small but voracious shrimp found in the reservoir.

Dikerogammarus villosus, nicknamed the "killer shrimp" is a particularly aggressive predator. It preys on a range of invertebrates, particularly native shrimps and young fish, sometimes wiping out entire populations.

Previously unknown in the UK it was spotted by two keen eyed anglers fishing at Grafham Reservoir, early in September who caught some specimens and sent them off to the Environment Agency (EA) for identification.

Ban at Grafham Water now lifted

The club had to cancel a scheduled open event on September 19th – 20th, when a temporary ban on boat movements was imposed on the club whilst the EA investigated.

However the ban has now been lifted and the club has been permitted to operate a regime in which any boat leaving the club premises is first washed down with fresh water.

For the full story see the RYA web site. www.rya.org.uk

Toppers Wanted

2010-10-06T03:15:00.000-07:00

One of the disadvantages of the Topper being such a versatile and durable little boat is that they are always in demand. That is great news if you have one to sell but not so great for welcoming new sailors to the class.

If you know of any Toppers for sail please drop me a line at arearep.scotland@gbrtopper.co.uk

I would be happy to list boats for sale and I often have enquiries from new sailors looking for boats or bits.

Graham

Royal Tay Winter Series 2010

2010-10-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

Why not try something new this year? If you are within range come and join us on Sundays as below:-

Go on - you know you want to!

Winter Squads

2010-10-02T01:56:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are awaiting news of your winter squad applications here is a little taster to wet the appetite...

Cick here for video

And remmeber if you do not get picked for a squad, or you did not apply we are going to offer some ITCA Open training this winter or next spring if the ice age weather of last year returns. Emma Wilkie will be our head coach and the training can be tailored to all your needs from first steps afloat through to National Championship preparation.

If you are interested please e-mail me at arearep.scotland@gbrtopper.co.uk and I will ensure you are on my mailing list.

We are having a rest this weekend after the worlds, the travel then four race weekends on the trot and school and work and scouts etc etc etc.

See some of you at Carsington?

G.

Zone Champinships 2010 - Scotland

2010-09-27T10:57:00.000-07:00

Newly selected GBR Junior Squad member Joanna Barrie showed the Topper fleet a clean pair of heels and was crowned 2010 Scottish Topper Zone Champion having dominated in the light and variable conditions at Helensburgh. The picture shows Joanne (right) demonstrating excellent downwind technique. Click on the picture to link to a gallery of pictures from the weekend taken by Neil Ross.

For full results on the Helensburgh SC site click here

RYA Zone Championships

2010-09-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

Over 700 of the nation’s most eager young Olympic sailing stars of the future will be tussling for titles this weekend (25-26 September) as they do battle at the 2010 RYA Volvo Zone and Home Country Championships at eight venues across the UK.
With all eight Zone and Home Country Championship events sponsored by Volvo Car UK again this year, racing will take place in eight RYA-supported Junior dinghy and windsurfing classes at the six English Zones, Wales and Scotland.
The RYA Volvo Zone and Home Country Championships traditionally mark the end of the Junior racing season and the start of a hard winter’s training. They are a key event for any young sailor wishing to be selected for the RYA Zone and Home Country squads, which are the first step on the pathway to Olympic Classes sailing.
Having honed their skills at club training and competitions throughout the year, the annual Championships give the sailors the chance to pit their wits against the best of the rest within their Zone under the watchful eye of their local RYA High Performance Managers (HPMs) and other senior RYA racing staff.

Ellie Williamson, RYA