The biggest ever Topper Nationals (350 competitors) arrived at Pwllheli for the 2009 Topper National Championships. With over 40 Welsh Sailors including the Welsh National Squad looking to build on their ranking for GBR Squad places, to dominate the event, or for younger sailors to be recognised for future Welsh selection as a first event.

The Solva Sailing duo of Micky Beckett and Ellie Meopham demonstrated their potential as early leaders in the boys and girls events. 2009 however was not to be with both having to carry disappointing results near the end of the regatta as Black flag OCS prevailed through the fleet and impacted both sailors mid week.  Tom Piggott working hard in the lighter winds in his last year finished highest in 18th and non GBR sailors Thomas Williams, Danielle Rowe and Rachel Tilley all staking claims for GBR squad places in the Autumn.

This has without doubt been a very successful event, extremely professional race management, a great social programme and a safety fleet that was ready and able to cope with all the weathers that were thrown at us - it has to be said that the full range of winds was sent to Pwllheli this week making the racing level for the wide variety of helm sizes.

Charles Glover, Chairman of ITCA (GBR) was pleased to address the audience at the prizegiving in Welsh, he announced that next years Topper National Championships would be returning to Clwb Hwylio Pwllheli Sailing Club and a cheer came back from the rather large crowd of sailors and supporters.

Full results can be found by clicking on the relevant fleet: Gold  Silver  Bronze  Regatta.

The blog chronicling the week can be found by clicking here.