The Topper Ireland Southern Championships were held in Waterford Harbour Sailing Club in Dunmore East this past weekend, 22-23rd June.
59 competitors sailed six races over the course of the weekend in varying conditions - from beautiful sun and nice brisk sailing winds on Saturday – where the organisers managed to get 4 races in, to heavy rain and a big swell on Sunday to make it much more challenging for the final 2 races.
WHSC did a great job of making the sailors welcome and had a fantastic team of volunteers available both in and around the club itself, and also around the roads to direct visitors around the roadworks. They hosted a BBQ in the Club on Saturday night, which was enjoyed by many of those visitors.
It was also great to see so many sailors who are new to the Topper fleet competing in the championships, including new young sailors in the established clubs and also many sailors from smaller clubs who have not been active in Toppers for the past few years. The prizes were spread across the Country, but particular mention of the Collins Brothers from RCYC, Rian winning the 4.2 fleet and Darragh winning the 5.3 Fleet, and Hannah Dadley (Ballyholme YC) who was First Lady and is still in the junior age category.
The Closing Date for our premier event of the year, the 3-day National Championship, is 28th June. This is to be held at the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, Holywood, Co. Down on the following weekend of 5-7th July, with boats from throughout Ireland and some of the top sailors from the UK expected to be in attendance.
