There was a home success in a breezy conclusion to the 2023 Topper World Championships at Royal Cork Yacht Club on Friday afternoon, when Ireland took gold and silver in the smaller 4.2 rig division, while the main rig title went to Great Britain.
Friday's three back-to-back races confirmed Britain's Alex Jones of Parkstone Yacht Club as the 2023 Topper 5.3 World Champion at Royal Cork Yacht Club.
Jones had established a winning point cushion of 12 points over six races (with two race wins) and extended this on the final day to ten points with a last-race victory in Cork Harbour.
2023 Topper 5.3 World Champion Alex Jones of Parkstone Yacht Club (centre) with Ruoque Su of China second (left) and Rory Clow third. Photo: Bob Bateman
Jones's teammate Rory Clow of Island Barn Reservoir Sailing Club, who had moved up to second overall going into Friday's races, was overtaken by Ruoque Su of China for the silver medal. Clow took bronze after nine races sailed in the 98-boat fleet.
The best of the Irish in the 5.3 rig was consistent Luke Simpson of County Antrim Yacht Club, who finished sixth.
Ireland's Whyte is Topper 4.2 World Champion
In the smaller 4.2 rig fleet, Fifteen-year-old Rory Whyte from Waterford Harbour and Royal Cork Yacht Club recovered from an OCS in race one in a three-race final series to win the 4.2 World Championship Trophy. Second, was his clubmate Andrew O'Neill with Che Liu of China in Bronze.
Fifteen-year-old Rory Whyte from Waterford Harbour and Royal Cork Yacht Club is presented with the 4.2 World Championship Trophy by Cork County Mayor Frank O'Flynn. Second, was his clubmate Andrew O'Neill (left) with Che Liu of China in Bronze Photo: Bob Bateman
Topper World Championships 5.3 Gold Fleet Racing (Friday) and Prizegiving at Royal Cork Yacht Club Photo Gallery by Bob Bateman
4.2 results below and 5.3 results here
