Topper Worlds Lake Garda

I’ve been in Malcesne, Lake Garda, Italy at the Topper World Championships http://www.itcaworld.org/ (have a look at the photograph under ‘Racing’ to see a picture of this magnificent sailing venue) as part of the coaching team for the RYA National Junior Squad under National Coach Dave Cockerill. It has been a pleasure to coach so many talented young people (I’m not sure of their exact ages but I guess 13-15 year olds).

The Fraglia Vela Club has new premises, and although not quite finished yet, promises to be one of the best Championship venues on the Lake. A modern building built on reclaimed land it has a grass roof so that people on the mountain retain the impression of a natural vista when looking down on the lake. The Club Officials were friendly and the Race Officer was top notch. The boats have been re-vamped in recently to make them easier for the not-so-strong to sail well and the competition of 180 sailors was of high quality, and with good depth.

The only thing missing was wind for a critical 20 minute period during the very last race, which caused controversy as the championship lead changed twice. Andy Brown from Budworth put together an excellent series and then won the last race to tie for first place with Bleddyn Mon from Red Wharf Bay in North Wales who had started the event with an incredible five straight wins. The tie-breaker system awarded the Championship to Andy. Andy and Bleddyn will meet again at the Topper nationals in Weymouth in a couple of weeks’ time http://www.gbrtopper.co.uk Both are really good sailors, and worth watching in future.

Coaching sailors in this age group is a delight. The performance issues are generally the same – there is no difference in how the sailing as a sport is conducted for adults and children, and indeed this week was open to all ages. However the mask that goes into place with experience and years to hide adult emotions is missing, so each high or low is vividly broadcast. My heart went out to those experiencing desperate disappointment – very tough stuff - yet was uplifted by the spontaneous sharing of excitement and happiness by the youngsters when things went well. My best wishes to the Class and all the sailors.