The Topper Ireland Nationals were held at the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club on the banks of Belfast Lough last weekend writes Joe Seymour. Over 50 sailors from all parts of Ireland and 10 from the ITCA (GBR) / RYA British Youth Sailing Team were in attendance making it a highly competitive event. While the winds were not strong they were constant over the 3 days and 9 good races were completed.
In the 4.2 fleet, Rian Collins of Royal Cork continued his winning streak with 9 bullets over the 3 days. In the 5.3 fleet the wins were spread out between the top 4 sailors, with Tim Evans (Grafham Water SC) emerging as the Overall Winner, followed by Hugh Lynch (RCYC, pictured above) who was second and overall Irish Champion. Hannah Dadley-Young (Ballyholme YC) finished as First Lady and sixth overall in another impressive performance for this Junior Sailor, which included two second finishes.
RNIYC put on an impressive show for all the visitors with over 60 volunteers ensuring that the event went off without a hitch.
Topper racing now relocates to the Medemblik in the Netherlands for the Topper World Championship on the 22 to 26 July. Over 20 Irish sailors will be participating, and boats are already on the move to Holland with sailors arriving next week. We look forward to reporting on their progress in the coming weeks.
Joe Seymour is Topper Ireland Chairperson
