World Championships Report

2012 Harken International Topper Class World Championships hailed a huge success. As Optimists from the Netherlands congregated on the hard standing once covered in International Toppers and the last of the RIBs are towed off site, we can reflect on a truly superb World championship for the international Topper 5.3 and the International Topper 4.2.

 As sailors arrived the week before the World Championships to enjoy a few days of holiday at the excellent It Soal campsite, few were prepared for the huge success that this year’s World Championships would bring.  Sailors arrived at the event boat park to be greeted by just two portacabins and two areas on the grass taped off with hazard tape.  A lone Harken flag flying from a single mast indicated that this may be where the event would unfold the following week.

Friday morning saw the arrival of two more portacabins and a huge marquee complete with a stage, lamp standards and pot plants, more boats arrived and squads from GBR and IRL were launched and practiced on the shallow waters of the Ijsselmeer.  The ITCA office opened and sailors were able to register and have their boats measured, the 2012 Harken International Topper Class World Championships were underway.

Sunday, the first day of racing was lost to light winds, but great sailing conditions prevailed on day 2 and four races were completed.  Once again sailing was not possible on day three and the Race Committee considered the options for the following day.  After some considerable thoughts it was decided that the Championship series should start as planned on day 4.

Days 4 and 5 were excellent sailing days and seven races were completed, but the forecast light winds on the final day materialised and only one race for the International Topper 4.2 was possible.  Thus racing for the 2012 Harken International Topper World Championships was abandoned for the year.

World Champion Giles Kuzak thanked the Race Official and all those involved in planning and running this year’s Championships on behalf of all competitors especially all the parents and supporters who brought the majority of sailors to the event.

The Race Committee also thanks all the volunteers who helped during the week and the officials at Workum Sailing Club.

International President, Bill Brassington challenged the Commodore of the Workum Sailing Club to provide at least two International 5.3 sailors and one International 4.2 sailor to next year’s World Championships as he presented the club with a commeritive picture and two 4.2 sails which was willingly accepted.

27/8/2012 09:16