The competition looks set to be fierce as Lowestoft prepares to host some of the country's best young sailors.
More than 150 of the UK's most talented youngsters will be descending on Lowestoft seafront for two days of top quality dinghy racing next weekend.
The Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club is hosting a Topper National Series event on July 15 and 16 – a key qualifying event for young sailors looking for a place in the national squad.
Dedicated competitors and their families will be travelling from as far away as the' West coast of Scotland in the north and Penzance in the South West to attend this International Topper Class Association event.
With ITCA (GBR) – the home of the International Topper Class Association – organising an extensive calendar of local, regional and national racing events across the UK throughout the year, there will be racing in two fleets at this National Series event – in the smaller 4.2 sail fleet, which is suitable for less experienced and/or lighter sailors, and the 5.3 standard size sail for those more experienced/larger sailors.
The class is run almost entirely by volunteers, who give their time and skills to ensure their sailors have the best possible experience on and off the water. From mark laying, rib driving and manning the committee boat on the water to launching boats, fixing broken boats, first aid and safety management on shore, more than 70 class association volunteers help run the event.
Sally Dugdale, class chairman, said: 'The class have again been impressed by the hard work and welcoming attitude of the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club members and staff in planning the event and after the fantastic weekend the Toppers had here in 2015, we are very much looking forward to what will be another fantastic weekend at Lowestoft.'
A spokesman for the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club said: 'Do come along to the seafront over the weekend and watch the sight of more than 150 red, white and blue sails launching out to sea!'
If any local sailors are interested in entering the event, contact the ITCA (GBR) secretary, Susanne Farmer via secretary@gbrtopper.co.uk
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