Volvo Car UK is delighted to announce sponsorship of a third youth class in 2016 – the International Topper Class Association (GBR.
Volvo Car UK has been a key sponsor of British sailing since 1999, supporting everything from youth development at grass roots through to Britain's top sailors at the pinnacle of the sport.
Recognised by the Royal Yachting Association as a Pathway Class, the Topper enables young dinghy sailors to develop their racing talent towards sailing in the Olympic Classes. Some of Britain's great athletes have progressed from the class, including three-times Finn World Champion, Giles Scott. Giles hopes to bring a medal home for Britain in this summers' games.
The Topper Class comment on their excitement over the new partnership, "Volvo's commitment to sailing and youth sailing is legendary. We are delighted to welcome Volvo onboard as a title sponsor in order to help us deliver our ambition of developing the best young racing sailors.
"Together with Volvo, our mission is simple - to advance the education, physical and mental development of young sailors, and for them to achieve their full potential, whilst having fun, becoming independent and learning to co-operate with others."
Designed in 1977 by Ian Proctor, the International Topper's colourful 'fun factor', combined with its serious racing pedigree, grabbed the attention of the sail training world and helped revolutionise the way sailing is taught. Having two sail sizes for the Topper allows sailors from 9 to 16 years old to compete nationally.
There are now nearly 50,000 Toppers worldwide. In the UK, the class holds around 70 events annually, attracting about 1,400 participants.The weekend of 27th February will see more than 175 Topper sailors take to the 2012 Olympic waters of Weymouth as they compete at the first National Series Event of 2016, hosted at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.
