Topper Training & Close Racing for Lasers Open

Published 15:19 on 18 Sep 2025

Three Coaches came  to Salcombe for an excellent Topper Training on Saturday.  Izzy, Ben & Ryan  progressed in the National Squad and have been selected as RYA Coaches  by their achievements. They gave our young sailors an exciting day with lots of learning, in difficult conditions. Thank you to all the Volunteer Cadet Parents led by John Parker, with Steve Walter & Mike White   who helped enable the day to happen. Following the success of Charlie, George, and Charlotte in the Topper Training squads over recent years it was really super to launch the next SYC team of Topper sailors. It provides an inspirational  pathway to progress.

Understandably,  the Topper Traveller  Open Meeting was cancelled on the Sunday because of the strong Winds. But as reported, the  Laser Open went full steam ahead! 

The Ladies that Launch & Buoys Aloud Crew had a challenging but exciting weekend practicing lots of strong wind techniques. Tim Law was able to pass on some useful tips as he saw the sailors pass the Watch House each race, Which Jayne was then  able to discuss at their LTL shore based session this week. They are, as ever eager to put these skills in practice afloat as soon as possible.

It was great to see some of our former SYC Cadets and KCC After School Club sailors also sailing in  our Laser Open.  Ivy Hart  together with Emily Hoar have been notable this season for their joyful post race sailing antics. Ivy  won the last Race on Sunday before the storm arrived which was most impressive and demonstrated that the fun Short Handicap Happy Fleet allows so many people to flourish. It's hard to believe that Alan Willcox only started racing 18 months ago and is now often challenging the front of the fleet.

Pictured, Edward & George Alexander were on the Podium this weekend.  Edward There is also a picture of them as SYC Cadets showing that the skills learnt in the fun environment of SYC Cadets leads to so much enjoyment.

Both George & Edward are Dinghy Instructors but they too started on Smalls Beach. Their Father Olly Alexander was the Cadet Parent leader for many years and he was pleased to see the initiatives that he took forward in his time are being built upon as they next batch of Cadet families come through.

The continual efforts to encourage people to take up sailing as young Cadets and then see them return to not only excel but to pass on their skills to others allows our Club to thrive. Thank you to everyone across the Years who have helped the SYC Cadets from the early days when Shirley Tyler and Kath Stone set the youngsters sailing from Smalls…

J. Morris.

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