Invitational Coaching
The aim of ITCA (GBR) Invitational coaching is to enable sailors who compete regularly at National Series (NS) Events and are planning to continue sailing in the class going forward, the opportunity to develop their sailing skills further with sailors of similar ability and performance levels.
The plan is to run approximately 3-4 weekends throughout the year at various inland and coastal venues with highly experienced guest coaches where they will work with sailors to hone their racing skills.
This is a really exciting opportunity for the Sailors to have a great learning experience and really push to get the maximum out of sailing their Topper.
Please see the Policy link below and if you have questions, please contact:
Vice Chair (Training) Email: [email protected]
ITCA GBR 5.3 Sail Classification Invitational Coaching Selection Policy
ITCA GBR 4.2 Sail Classification Invitational Coaching Selection Policy
The next Invitational Coaching weekend for the 4.2 Fleet is planned for the 5th & 6th October 2024 at Northampton Sailing Club.
Mark Ripley will be the lead coach (second coach to be confirmed).
........ for 2025
ITCA (GBR) have been very busy arranging the invitational coaching dates for 2025.
The 2025 dates for your diary are:
2025 Invitational Coaching Weekend 1: 25th/26th January 2025 - Carsington Sailing Club
2025 Invitational Coaching Weekend 2: 26th/27th April 2025 - Hayling Island Sailing Club
2025 Invitational Coaching Weekend 3: date and venue to be confirmed
Coaches are to be confirmed, however we are working to book excellent coaches for our Topper sailors to continue to develop their race skills to be the best they can be.
Previous Invitational Coaching weekends:
July 2024 5.3 Invitational Coaching – WPNSA
The GBR Class Association for Toppers (ITCA-GBR) organised an Invitational Coaching Event at Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy on 6th/7th July where we had a group of very enthusiastic Topper sailors from across the country in attendance looking to develop their racing skills ahead of the World and Nationals events that are coming up in the next couple of months.
This is the 3rd Invitational Coaching event of the year, where Sailors are invited to attend these training events based upon their recent results in the ITCA GBR National Series. The association arranged for 3 amazing coaches, these being the very experienced Gold Medallist Helena Lucas MBE taking the lead, supported by Topper World Champion coach Steve Irish and 470 Helm, Millie Irish. Additionally, we had Nathan Bickle, a sports psychologist from Chichester University in attendance.
Link to Yachts and Yachting Report from the weekend here.
April 2024 5.3 Invitational Coaching – Grafham Water SC
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On 20th/21st April, ITCA (GBR) organised the 2nd 5.3 Invitational Coaching Weekend of 2024 at Graham Water Sailing Club where we had 24 sailors take part, all looking to further develop their Topper Racing skills. The class association arranged for 3 very experienced coaches, these being head coach Steve Irish, Kate Robertson and Mark Ripley. The sailors had an amazing time in 12 to 18 knots of Northerly wind conditions.
Link to Yachts and Yachting Report from the weekend here.
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January 2024 Invitational Coaching – Carsington SC
The GBR Class Association for Toppers (ITCA-GBR) organised an Invitational Coaching Event at Carsington Water Sailing Club on 27th/28th January where we had 24 very excited Topper sailors from across the country in attendance looking to hone their racing skills ahead of the upcoming NS2 at WPNSA in March.
This is the 1st Invitational Coaching event of 2024.
The class association arranged for 3 amazing coaches, these being the very experienced Topper Double World Champion head coach Steve Irish along with Topper National Winning and RTG North Coach Tom Goodbourn and Joe Rowe, the 2022 Topper World Champion.
It was an amazing weekend with all of the sailors having a great time working with the coaches.
Link to Yachts and Yachting Report from the weekend here.
July 2023 Invitational Coaching – Poole YC
On 1st/2nd July 2023, ITCA organised Invitational Coaching Event at Poole YC where we had 24 very enthusiast Topper sailors from across the country in attendance looking to hone their racing skills. The class association arranged for 3 amazing coaches, these being experienced head coach Helena Lucas MBE along with Tom Scott and Mark Ripley. The sailors all enjoyed the weekend spending the maximum amount of time on the water in sunshine and windy conditions. They have taken away a great deal of learning and experience from the coaching. The feedback received from the sailors and parents/guardians has been amazing.
Link to Yachts and Yachting Report from the weekend here.
January 2023 Invitational Coaching – Northampton SC
Our first Invitational Coaching Weekend at Weymouth
Draycote Invitational Coaching and Yachts and Yachting Report by Midlands Area Rep, Mike Powell:
