International Topper Class Association. International Topper Class Association. View the official ITCA video here >>

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1 International Topper Class Association International Topper Class Association View the official ITCA video here >>

2 Topper sailors getting medals at the Olympics would be very gratifying, but at the end of the day it s the hundreds and hundreds of sailors who are having fun, enjoying it more and more because they are better at it. When these youngsters hit the adult classes, I don t think the adult classes will quite know what has hit them. Dave Cockerill, UK RYA National Coach The Topper is an ideal - and proven - single-handed racing dinghy for junior, youth and smaller adult sailors. It is: Truly equal because the Topper is injection moulded, every boat is identical. The onedesign nature of the boat makes for a uniquely fair competition. Fun with a 5.3sqm sail it has good upwind and downwind performance, making it a thrilling, accessible and exciting sail. Fast the lightweight hull and the large sail area make the Topper a fast boat for its size, and being so close to the water just makes it appear so much faster. Simple with a single hull and sail provider, measurement is simple and conducted with minimum of fuss. Robust its unique polypropylene construction makes the boat virtually maintenance free and almost indestructible. Light at just 43kg (compared to similar boats that weigh upwards of 60kg) the Topper is the lightest boat of its size and configuration in the world. It is easily righted after a capsize and ideal for sailors from 40kg to 60kg. Transportable its weight means that it is easily transported by sailors and their parents. The Topper can be easily carried on standard roof bars on most family cars, and it is possible to carry two stacked together on more substantial bars. Media friendly with eye-catching multicoloured sails and a distinctive bright hull, the Topper is a highly photogenic boat. Sails can be tailored to suit national colours even replicate national flags which makes identification simple. Low cost a race rigged Topper is the cheapest single handed racing dinghy in its category. Award winning it has won many awards for innovative design and construction, including the world renowned Design Council. International with over 46,000 boats worldwide, a recognised International Class and a well-established international class structure across Europe, the Middle East, Far East, America and Australasia, Topper sailing is truly international. Successful pathway class the success of the Topper as a high performance racetraining pathway class has been proven in the UK. In 2012, 25 out of 28 sailors selected for the UK s RYA Transitional Youth Squads were Topper sailors. Whether just messing about in boats, having fun off a beach, learning to sail, flat out blasting or competitive racing, there are so many reasons for choosing the fantastic Topper. That is it s universal appeal. It requires little maintenance, is easily rigged in a matter of minutes, is rugged and safe for beginners and an exciting race boat too as your skills develop AND it is car-toppable. It truly is the most versatile of sailboats. The Topper was designed by Ian Proctor whose other boats include the ever popular Wayfarer. It was originally constructed in GRP but this was changed quite early on to an injection moulding construction. After well over 20 years of continuous production (approaching 50,000 boats!) it is the outstanding build quality, durability and innovative design features that have made the Topper one of the most popular boats in Britain. As a globally recognised design icon it now appears in the UK s prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Furthermore, all boats and equipment will comply with the relevant class rules and building specification for the International Topper class.

3 Background Ian Proctor designed the Topper in 1976 as an introductory sailing dinghy. He set out to create a simple, fun and robust boat. These characteristics have seen Toppers stand the test of time, becoming a class that enjoys great success wherever it is sailed. All Topper boats are injection moulded in Polypropylene from a single mould. This one-design construction is unique, second to none and it produces boats that ensure every sailor enjoys a totally level playing field when it comes to racing. The hull has integral buoyancy ensuring positive buoyancy even when flooded. The foils are a single dagger board and vertical rudder. The vertical nature of the rudder ensures a positive but light control. All foils are from a single supplier. When the Topper is inverted it has an air-pocket ensuring that it is a totally safe boat. The rig is an un-stayed Bermudan rig with a single manufacture of sails, making sail measurement unnecessary. Sail controls are through a single mainsheet ending in the centre of the cockpit, with a 6:1 downhaul, 4:1 outhaul and 3:1 kicker or vang. These controls are similar to that found in a Laser. The UK s RYA has used the Topper as pathway class for some years. Sailors such as Giles Scott, Laura Baldwin and Alison Young sailed the boat when they were between 12 and 16 years old. The enjoyment that they gained in the class has spurred them on to great success in the Laser, Europe and Finn. I just really like it as it s such a competitive class. And there are a lot of nationalities involved the Irish, English, French, Japanese, Netherlands, USA, South Koreans, Australians you name it. Barry, Topper sailor To view a video click here >>

4 The Topper and the Class Association The Racing Dinghy The Topper is ideal for all levels of racing from the novice to international sailors, because it is light, robust yet simple and easily managed by younger sailors. Lighter boats mean sailors are fully engaged whilst sailing. Ideally, sailors would be in the range of 40-60kg and approximately 140cm to 170cm in height. Sailors vary in age from 10 to 18, with the vast majority in the 14 to 16 age groups. Other boats are often too heavy for young sailors, making righting them after a capsize a highly energy sapping manoeuvre. Also, 60kg boats are often too heavy for easy car top transportation (vital for parental support for young sailors) for average family cars around the world. The Topper is perfect at a lightweight 43kg. Uniquely the Topper is raced using an un-battened inverted leach sail that allows a young sailor to simply reef the sail should the conditions in the race become overpowering. No other racing singlehanded sailing boat allows this vital safety measure. Toppers are regularly sailed in a variety of conditions by both boys and girls and are easily controlled in wind ranges of 5-25kts. Toppers are of a strict one-design and are built by one manufacturer - which makes them easy to measure and maintain. The UK s RYA has used the Topper as a pathway class for the last ten years and ex- Topper sailors now make up the majority of Laser and 29er Youth Squad members. With a Topper costing less than 2,300, it is an affordable class to promote sailing around the world. These sailors just jump in, get stuck in at marks where the action is. It is simple, inexpensive and fun to sail. RYA National Coach I managed to win the Italian National under championships. After this I was told seeing that you have taken part in all these championships, you should try the Topper worlds. maybe you can even win it! So I tried and I am happy to have won the Topper Worlds it was a real challenge and exciting especially as the boat is not very easy and very challenging and technical to understand and sail well. Michele Benamatti, Italy 2010 World Champion Click to view a video made by a Topper sailor >>

5 You can have a twenty year old Topper that will go just as fast as a new Topper. It s an amazingly strong thoroughbred boat. Martin Fry, Manufacturer Boat Dimensions The Topper is injection moulded, so all hulls produced are identical in weight and specification. The unique construction makes it almost indestructible. It is the ONLY injection moulded boat. Martin Fry, Manufacturer Topper 4.2 Topper 5.3

6 Measurement The International Topper Class Association has strict one design rules, which permits very minor changes to the supplied dinghy from Topper International. Our Class rules prohibits additional fixing holes anywhere in spars and the hull and only changes recommended by the International Measurer to the International Committee at its annual meeting. The International Committee works closely with our National Class Associations to resolve measurement issues locally, and does respond to requests for clarification to the Class Rules either through modification to those rules or by International Measurement Advisory Notices. For example, the International Class recognises that older sail designs produced by previous sail makers are still in use by some sailors. The International Class will be only permitting the approved sail to be used from the 2013 World Championships. An advisory Notice will be issued in time for the 2012 World Championships of this action. The International Class Association also recognises that there is a need for education in measurement, and is currently looking at a system of self-measurement so that the sailors themselves can ensure that they are complying with the International Class Rules. As all hulls, foils, sails are from a single supplier, measurement is simple. Hulls and foils are checked for integrity and free of any modifications. Sails are checked for the manufacturer s stamp. Beyond this there are four other checks: 1. Painter is of sufficient length for towing. 2. Toe straps are continuous. 3. Number of purchases on downhaul, outhaul and kicker. 4. Tiller extension does not exceed the prescribed length. It s worth pointing out that a single person can easily measure over 100 Toppers in one day. Simple and Sensational In 1977 the Topper was awarded the Design Council Award and the Horner Award for achievements in plastics. The Topper is used in the UK s Open University television programme to illustrate the principles of craft, design and technology, the development of injection moulding techniques and the handling and use of plastics in industry. The two main mouldings of the Topper hull are fuse welded together to produce a robust single unit. Specially shaped polystyrene blocks are fitted at this stage to provide extra stiffness and enormous reserves of positive buoyancy in the very unlikely event of the Topper s tough skin being holed. The hull of every Topper has a five year warranty proving that the builders have great confidence in it. Clever design features include a swivelling mast gate that enables you to erect the mast single-handed. There is a brilliant rudder system that allows the blade to be set and locked in any position at the flick of a wrist. And the hull plate can survive the boat coming ashore at high speed with the dagger-board still down! The aluminium mast is un-stayed and in two sections allowing the spars to be stored within the length of the boat. The sail has a luff tube which makes rigging really easy. The daggerboard is made like a rudder blade of a moulded polypropylene which never snaps. But it can sink, so you must tie it on... John Driscoll, UK s national sailing coach wrote The Topper dinghy has a unique place in the world of sailing instruction. He went on to say It is hard to find a sailing school or holiday centre without a fleet of Toppers and here s why: Topper s cutting edge comes from her robustness, her simplicity, versatility and her ease of handling ashore and afloat. She ll take all the knocks of a sailing day and bounce back smiling. Just like the students. She s taken the fear factor out of the capsize drill. She s made it easy to learn and fun to be with. Manufacturers / Suppliers The Topper is manufactured by Topper International Limited in the UK. The plant locations for hulls, foils, spars is Topper International Limited, Ashford, Kent, England. Currently about 900 Toppers are produced a year. Maximum production for a year has so far been 3,000 boats but because of the production technology used, up to 10,000 boats could be produced and assembled in a year. Uniquely, the Topper is an injectionmoulded boat. This means it takes just eight minutes to mould a deck and hull. Boats are then assembled in less than an hour. This efficiency in production means countless boats can be produced in a year. The Topper can also be assembled by the country of destination, given the right training and equipment set up. Topper International Limited are able and willing to supply the required number of boats for the Olympic Sailing Competition.

7 Sailor Demographics The ideal sailor is between 40 and 60kg and between 140 and 170cm. The class is sailed by equal numbers of male and female sailors. For example, the UK class association runs six events with between 150 and 200 sailors and two events of 250 to 300 sailors each year at both inland and sea venues. Sailors vary in age from 10 to 18, with the vast majority in the 14 to 16 age groups. The winners of the last three national championships have been around the median point of the weight range outlined above. The boat is fun to sail and responds well to waves, being easily promoted to planing by a single pump. To sail the boat well a significant degree of athleticism is required to negotiate waves and promote surfing. The sail controls allow sailors of various weights to compete effectively with each other. Fleet Locations / Boat Numbers A total of 46,350 Toppers have been built and sold worldwide in the last 12 months. There are 57 Topper dealers throughout the world and the boat is sold and sailed in over 40 countries. Several countries have formed their own Topper Class Associations, which are all affiliated to The International Topper Class Association (ITCA), the most recent being South Korea. The Topper World Championship is held every year. Recent Championships have been held in Italy, Dubai and Ireland. Competitors from Great Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, South Korea, Japan, Australia and the United Arab Emirates amongst others have all competed for the title. In addition to the National Topper Class Associations - which cover all hemispheres and each run their own programme of regattas - many other countries sail and race Toppers. I am happy to have won the Topper Worlds it was really exciting, especially as the boat is...challenging and technical to understand and sail well. Michele Beneamti - Italy Young sailors can really quickly handle the boat well, then they can get on and concentrate on the racing. They are good at tactics and they are good at strategy, much earlier than they would be in a more complicated boat. RYA National Coach Click to view a video made by a Topper sailor >>

8 The Topper has been the most prominent feeder of the Youth Programme RYA website Cost of Equipment The following lists the cost of the boat and its major components. The prices are common around the world and, as requested, specifically for Europe, US, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. Only one sail is typically required. The competitive life of sails is around one racing season and the hull is five years minimum. Top sailors are known to sail 10 year old hulls. The cost of a ready-to-sail boat or board (excluding sail) 2, The cost of a 4.2m 2 Sail The cost of a 5.3m 2 Sail The cost of an Upper mast Lower mast Boom International Transport The Topper can be transported to events using a roof rack, trailer, truck or container. It can be double decked or conveyed with multiple boats on a rack. For long distance shipping a 20ft container will take 16 boats. A 40ft will take 40 boats plus all associated equipment. A 40ft container can also carry 120 unassembled hulls and decks. It is also worth noting that the Topper is the only boat of comparable size that can easily be carried on top of a normal family car, as it weighs less than 50kg.

9 The International and National Class Associations The International Topper Class Association was formed in 1977 with the main aims of encouraging Topper sailing worldwide and helping nations to form Topper Associations. It supports Associations by providing a set of realistic equipment rules and coordinating international competitions. A recently adopted goal has been to increase the number of national associations by at least one per year and to this end Italy joined last year and India will join this year. The International Topper Class Associations and the manufacturer work closely together to support the development of the Topper internationally. They offer guidence in setting up class associations and grants to assist with starting training, excellent coach exchanges, assistance with organising and running major events. In addition the manufacturer offers boats to kick-start countries, the latest examples being Holland and India. There is no doubt that with the advent of the centre main rig the Topper has become a perfect pathway dinghy for year old boys and girls progressing from starter boats to the Olympic classes and is more and more being used as such. With over 45,000 boats worldwide, there are over 1,000 registered racing Topper sailors worldwide who take part in official International Class Association events. The Class is run by an international committee, which consists of a President/ Chairman, Secretary, Chief Measurer, Designers Representative, Manufacturers Representative, Webmaster and national association representatives. It meets at least once a year and maintains electronic correspondence at all times. The dayto-day business is carried out by the professional International Secretary and the Chief Measurer, under the direction of the President. Communication is mainly by and the website: which contains a lot of useful class information, including links to national Topper Class Associations. Currently officers of the International Class Association are located in the following countries: Australasia China Germany Ireland Italy Japan Contact details are as follows: International President Bill Brassington president@itcaworld.org International Secretary Cathy Brassington secretary@itcaworld.org International Measurer Ian Cox ian@iancox.org.uk International Coach Dave Cockerill dave@2xlcoaching.co.uk Builder s Representative Martin Fry martinfry@toppersailboats.com Designer s Representative Roger Proctor roger@proctors.co.uk National Representatives: Australia Neil George yachtshop@xtra.co.uk Latvia UAE UK Korea Thailand India Germany Andres Jung andreas.jung@barmenia.de Hong Kong Keith Mowser orders@sky-international.com India Gautama Dutta Gautama@marinesolutions.in Ireland Margaret Kneafsey mgtodnl@gmail.com Italy Charles Kinsley info@topboats.it Japan Sinchi Murayama mura@office_ .ne.jp Latvia Peter Borman peter@regate.lv New Zealand Neil George yachtshop@extra.co.nz South Korea Yol Oh jyol@winave.co.kr Thailand Katy Gooch toppersailphuket@gmail.com UAE Peter Hook karen@friedkoala.com UK Tom Dixon chairman@gbrtopper.co.uk USA/Hawaii Robert McIlvaine topperboats@gmail.com

10 Tom s Story Hi my name is Tom, I sail a topper 4.2, I am 11 years old. I m writing this story to try to encourage people around my weight (38 kg) to go into a Topper 4.2 rig rather than a full rig straight away. Sailor Appeal With the boat being a strict one-design and emanating from a single high-precision mould, sailors needn t worry about the equipment and its conformity - they just get on with the sailing. The robust nature of the boat means that in between races sailors are happy to raft up next to each other for a friendly chat about the race, without fear of damage. The strength of the boat also means that sailing in a wide range of wind conditions rarely causes damage. 4.2 m 2 Sail The introduction of the 4.2 m 2 sail allows 8 and 9 year old Topper sailors and the smaller older ones have fun alongside the bigger sailors. The small sail is really inexpensive and it s pretty quick in the hands of a 30-40kg sailor. It doesn t require a special mast or boom or a change of controls. The Topper is a great boat. It really is. In terms of junior classes it is one of the only boats where the parents can actually go on the water and sail at the same time as their children. Parent of Topper sailor The good things about 4.2 s are that in strong winds you will be going up the beat or along the reach and you ll be laughing. You ll overtake loads of full rigs because they ll be upside down. On the runs you won t lose any ground, as you ll be going at roughly the same speed. The bad thing is the light winds. If you get a good start you will get a fairly good race you ve just got to stay in clean air and do good mark roundings. In a 4.2 you can t head as high as a full rig in light winds. Before I had my Topper I had an Optimist, I sold my Optimist after the 2005 Nationals in Pwllheli. I like the Topper better because it s a faster boat. They are easier to right after a capsize because they don t fill with as much water and have a self bailer. 4.2s are generally faster than a reefed sail in strong winds and it saves damaging your full sail by reefing. When I m older and heavier and need a full sail I don t have to change the lower mast, like in Lasers, but just have to change the sail. ZHANG You don t have to measure your boat at every event because Toppers are all the same - that makes competitions a lot less stressful. My coaches have set me targets against other 4.2 Toppers, so as far as I m concerned I am racing against other 4.2 s, but if I get past some full rigs that s great! Click to view a video made by a Topper sailor >>

11 The Topper is a great boat. It really is. In terms of junior classes it is one of the only boats where the parents can actually go on the water and sail at the same time as their children. Parent of Topper sailor Development The Topper has always been a great boat, and in 2006 the International Class Association introduced a number of changes that will ensure that it continues to be a great boat into the foreseeable future and include: Centre main sheet moving the main sheet lead to the centre of the boat and fitting a longer tiller extension permits the sailor to position themselves correctly in the boat without unnecessary twisting whilst hiking means the sailor can get more from the boat and hike harder for longer. 6:1 Downhaul without doubt the second most important change is the change from a maximum purchase of a 3:1 to one of 6:1. It will allow much lighter and less experienced sailors to sail in strong winds. The extra force available will mean we can bend the mast to flatten the sail whilst keeping the fullness in the sail well forward. The effect will be to stop the boat heading into the wind on a beat and getting stuck in irons when tacking. Pricing and distribution Topper International Limited has a network of 37 dealers worldwide and is still growing. This will provide extensive global coverage. Because of its pricing, distribution network and the support from Topper International Limited, the Topper is easily available and affordable with particular regard to developing sailing nations. Topper International will also set up a special price matrix to enable competing countries to purchase the boats at the lowest possible price and accessories would be provided with a 30% discount. We believe that much of the UK s success in sailing has come about by having a range of boats that provide excellent sail training experiences for sailors. The Topper is recognised by the UK s RYA as providing a highly valuable pathway, which we strongly believe other federations could successfully and easily take up. Perhaps the strongest measure of the success of the Topper is that it brings a smile to the faces of those who sail and race them. They all have fun because of the nature of the boat and therefore continue in our brilliant sport. It s really cheap to pick one up and get involved. Topper sailor Click to view a video made by a Topper sailor >>

12 Helena Lucas 2.4mR Paralympic Gold Medallist Helena started sailing aged 8, and entered her first competition at the Topper National Championships at Tenby in Wales in 1988, and won her first race at the Poole open meeting the same year. Since leaving the class Helena has sailed 470s and Ynglings before the 2.4mR, in which she won a Gold Paralympic medal. Pathway to success The International Topper provides an excellent training platform, enabling complete novices to start sailing, or for sailors progressing from other pathway classes. The success of the Topper as a high performance race-training dinghy has been proven by the results achieved by the UK model, currently the most successful sailing nation at world and Olympic events. The Topper is totally integrated into the UK s RYA s race training pathway and is a prolific feeder class into the National youth squads. The success of the Topper class in the UK is clearly illustrated by the data regarding the sailors selected for the National RYA Transitional Youth Squads. Laser Standard National Youth Squad 27% Topper Other 73% Laser Radial National Youth Squad 6% Topper Other 94% And where can success lead? The former Finn World and European Champion, Giles Scott, progressed through the Topper into Lasers and then onto a Finn. There are also many more successes: Laser Radial Youth World Championships (Male): Silver Medal Martin Evans (GBR), 7th James Spencer (GBR), 13th Chris Penny (IRL) and 19th Jak Cornthwaite (GBR) 2012 Fireball World Champion Tom Gillard (GBR) 29er World Championships: Bronze Medal and Under-19 World Champions Max Richardson and Alex Groves and 4th overall and Under-19 Silver Medallist Bleddyn Mon. For 2012, in the two single-handed squads; the Laser Standard and the Laser Radial - the last boat sailed before being selected was usually the Topper. In fact, 25 out of 28 sailors selected came from the Topper class. The standard in the Topper fleet means you can guarantee that most of the single handed champions in Britain and top participants in the Laser Class will have come from the Topper. Parent of Topper sailor In the Laser Radial squad, ALL of the girl sailors honed their skills in the Topper. And success isn t limited to just the singlehanded boats; nearly a quarter of all sailors in the 29er squad are also ex-topper sailors. Click to view a video made by a Topper sailor >>

13 Supporting the series of continental qualification events for the Youth Olympic Games. The International Class Association would be happy to assist with the organisation and running of the events (subject to funding) and sailors would be welcome to attend the 2013 and 2014 championships. Perfect for Racing The Topper offers a phenomenal race and training scene. Friendly but competitive, the circuit is a fantastic place to be. And a breeding ground for some of the worlds very best young sailors! Rugged and durable construction The boat is stronger and lighter than any other comparable boat. So she is easier to handle on the water and ashore. The Topper is virtually maintenance free. AND a proven track record of reliability means that resale values are sky high. Click to view a video made by a Topper sailor >> It s a natural move into a Laser, or a 29er or whatever you want to move into next. Topper parent

14 Conclusion Quite simply we believe that the Topper is unique. When the internationally renowned designer Ian Proctor created the Topper, it followed a train of development from his many other boat designs (including Olympic Classes) that intended to deliver affordable, fair and thrilling competition for young people. He was passionate about introducing young people to this great sport. So why choose the Topper? No other boat can match it in terms of overall features and adaptability. A proven training boat, a successful and competitive racing dinghy and a fun boat to own and sail. Most importantly however, we believe the Topper provides the best opportunity of fulfilling the vision of promoting youth sailing around the world. These fun, robust, affordable boats are the perfect vessel to encourage and inspire young people in as many countries as possible to take part in fair, enjoyable and competitive sailing. My ambitions? A half decent position in the silver fleet then the Olympics then I think I ll retire! - Ben, Topper sailor To hear Topper sailors from around the world talk about their Topper experiences, click here >> International Topper Class Association

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16 Contact us For further information please contact: Cathy Brassington Secretary International Topper Class Association T: + 44 (0) E: secretary@itcaworld.org W: