Note on this weekends Topper Training:

We have our last open Topper coaching for 2011 set up for the 10^th and 11^th of December in the National Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire with Jennifer Dolan and Ruth Harrington. Jennifer and Ruth were coached by Adam Cockerill for several years and between them have won best Lady in many Irish Topper events. Ruth then went on to be one of the top Lady Laser sailors in Ireland.

 Open Training- Wicklow Sailing Club     19-20 November 2011

Yet again, perfect sailing conditions for the Open Training weekend. As someone remarked, the conditions for the winter Open Training weekends have been better than much of the summer season. Warm weather about 15 degrees, with consistent breezes and flatish seas. This weekend, Wicklow Sailing Club hosted Topper Open Training for the first time, and attracted both new and experienced sailors. Some sailors did both days, but as many had other team-sports commitments on the Saturday, there was a bigger turn-out on the Sunday with 16 sailors, including seven sailors for WSC who joined in the Open Coaching for the first time. Philip Doran and Stephen Duke coached both days, and concentrated on boat-handling and boat-speed. Some exercises were done in the large group, and other sessions were divided up, based on ability. A number of seals also joined in the fun. A warm welcome was given by WSC to both adults and sailors; Coffee, tea and scones to the adults in the morning, and hot chocolate (with cream and marshmallows!) to the sailors in the evening. The next Open Training weekend is in The National Yacht Club, Dun Laoghaire on 10/11 December. The cost remains the same, 40 euro for both days, or 25 euro for a single day. Please send an email to Peter Dolan (peter.dolan@comans.ie) to let him know if you wish to participate.

Topper Open Training Wexford 5th and 6^th Nov 2011

A very warm welcome was extended to us by Wexford Harbour Sailing and Tennis Club, when our most recent open training weekend took place there on 5^th & 6^th November. Conditions were perfect for training on Saturday, with flat seas, sunshine and up to 10 knots of north-westerly wind. The session was very well attended by 20 sailors of all abilities and from all over. We had local boats and boats from Howth, The National, Blessington, Courtown,  Wicklow and Dunmore East.  We had sailors of varying abilities – five ISA squad members, 4.2 sailors, graduates from 4.2 rig to full rig, sailors moving from Oppies into Toppers for the first time, who we would particularly like to welcome to the class! Coaches Philip Doran, Ronan Jones and Michael Harrington spent a little while getting acquainted with their charges on shore. Then they were split into two groups with Philip bringing the more advanced sailors out into the bay to put them through their paces. While Michael and Ronan kept the junior sailors, many of who were attending their first ITCA coaching session, in the inner harbour. It was all wrapped up by 16.30 and if the smiles on the faces were anything to judge by, they all had a great day. Sunday brought another glorious day, but no wind, so a very limited session on the water was followed by a theory session – ugg!! Theory is useful too - kept in its rightful place, for calm days, and then get out there on the sea when it’s blowing and put all that stuff you’ve heard in theory into practise.   Wicklow Sailing Club is hosting the next open training on Saturday 19^th & Sunday 20^th November. Open to all sailors of all levels. As Wicklow can be adversely affected by easterly’s please email your intention to attend to Peter Dolan (peterdolan@comans.ie) so that any last minute changes can be notified to you.Thanks to everyone who made the journey, and tell other topper sailors from your club to come to the next session in Wicklow. The cost for two days training is €40, but if you can only make one day, come on that day anyway.