Coaching guide for the rota-moulded International Topper (Feb-25)

Two years on from its introduction, Topper coaches get together to produce a guide on getting the best out of the grey rota-moulded Polyethylene International Topper.

The new grey boat was introduced after exhaustive testing to ensure performance was as close as possible to the original, red-decked injection moulded Polypropylene hulls. Two years on, it’s clear the aim of comparable performance has been achieved, with a few subtle differences that most one-design dinghy classes experience whilst improving the building process.

Topper coaches are now beginning to understand these differences after observing them on the water in a variety of conditions. Many coaches graduated from the Topper class themselves, so have a thorough knowledge and feel of how to trim and set up the rig for all conditions for the red boat, however, not many have yet had the opportunity to experience sailing the new rota-moulded grey boat themselves. 

One coach who has been enjoying sailing the new boat in training sessions, alongside his son Tristan, is Luke Shaw, RYA North Topper Regional Training Group Coach.  Working with the International Topper Class Association (ITCA (World)) and Topper International Ltd, Luke and Tristan have been helping to gain more understanding of the subtle differences in technique required to get the best out of the new grey boat. Also involved has been Matthew Wallis, coach to the Topper fleet at Vikings SC in Malta, who has also good experience with the rota-moulded Topper.

The result has been the production of a new coaching guide, outlining the subtle differences in sail trim and technique to get the best out of the rota-moulded Polyethylene boat. Download the coach's tuning guide here.