Four of WYC’s best young sailors travelled to Medemblik in the Netherlands to compete in the 2025 Topper World Championships. James Martin raced in the 43 boat 4.2 rig fleet whilst Jack Taylor, Joe Barton and Ralph Hadley raced in the 130 boat 5.3 rig fleet.
Weather for the week started with strong winds with conditions becoming lighter as the week went on with racing on day four lost to lack of wind.
In the 4.2 rig fleet James had a number of single figure results, including a win in race five to finish 5th overall in the ten race series – an excellent result!
The 5.3 rig fleet held a five race qualifying series to establish gold, silver and bronze fleets to compete for the world championship. Jack, Joe and Ralph all made it through to the gold fleet on day three with Ralph lying 3rd overall at the end of the day! Sadly, there was no racing on day four, so the boys had it all to play for on the final day. Joe and Ralph were 4th and 6th in the first race of the day with Jack finishing 16th in the second and final race. When the final results were counted Ralph finished 4th overall, Joe 11th and Jack 41st – amazing results in a highly competitive international 130 boat fleet!
Thanks must go to the parents who waited through some long days on the water for the boys to return, the coaches Tom Goodbourn and Morgan Archer (5.3’s) and Max Todd (4.2’s), the sponsors Barton Marine (Ralph) and Performance Sailcraft Europe and of course the trainers and many supporters from WYC.
Well done #teamwhitstable – your club is proud of you.
