www.toppersailboats.com

Topaz System Topaz Uno Race X Topaz Taz Independent Test Reports Yachts and magazine Waterkampioen

Current prices and specifications are available by calling the sales Office on 01233 629186 Plus + Versatile WATERKAMPIOEN + Build Quality magazine 2003 + Indestructible CHAMELEON + Value for money Translated by Friesland Watersports

Test Report 1 IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A NICE LITTLE BOAT FOR YOUR Reprinted from CHILDREN AND FOR YOURSELF. NOT TOO EXPENSIVE AND Waterkampioen “EXPANDABLE” SO YOU CAN STILL ENJOY IT IN THE LONG TERM. PREFERABLY NOT TOO HEAVY SO IT CAN BE ROOF TOPPED ON HOLIDAYS. THE TOPPER TOPAZ SEEMS TO FULFILL THIS IDEAL.

Text Gijs Loning / Photo’s Bertel Kolthof

Most people are familiar with the , , . One-man boats for fun and racing. But the Topper Topaz is a newcomer in this segment. More versatile than it’s rivals. The Topaz comes in six varieties. Like a chameleon it changes its appearance. From a simple one-person sailing dinghy with just one sail to a sporty boat with a large main, and gennaker on a propelling bowsprit. At Topper they call this chameleon-like property the “Topaz Sailing System”. Topper we know in The Netherlands from the Topper dinghy, in production over 25 years at their plant in Ashford, England. The from the Topaz is entirely different. It has a nose with a small fore- deck and a cockpit with an open transom. The thinking behind this is clear when you step in the boat: to create a dry, spacious and comfortable cockpit.

POWDER Like the “old” Topper the Topaz is also made in a mould. The material used is Metalicine, a very high grade polyethylene which goes in to the mould in powderform. This mould looks like a big waffle-iron clamped together with a few openings to insert the ingredients. The mould is then heat- ed and rotated so the powder gets to all corners and melts to create an even layer throughout. Then a second layer is applied. This is a foam which provides stiffness to the boat and also gives buoyancy. Because of the closed cell struc- ture of this material no water can penetrate it. The is no longer stepped in the moulded number 12. It does not look very nice, recess in the hull, but is placed backwards on but is still very good fun. They also a special aluminium bridge. A more sophisti- own a Sharpie. Most cated boom is connected to the mast by a of my sailing experience comes from gooseneck. The even bigger (7.52 the Falcon. I’m also a square metres) is no longer sleeved, but with member of the Seascouts. My a bolt rope in a track as you would expect of little brother sails an Optimist, but this this type of rig. The sail is hoisted with a hal- doesn’t go fast enough for me, it’s no yard and can be reefed. There are more con- fun at all. I liked my uncles Laser with trols, such as a cunningham. The mainsheet TESTER a 4.7 sail much more. I saved for my runs on a bridle at the back. This version also LAURA own Splash boat, number 158. It is suits the upgraded rudder. The DUO also fea- also rather old, but hand built. My par- tures a bigger, high aspect jib (2.43 square Age 14 years ents contributed of course. I now sail metres). Length 1.65 m club regattas. Weight 58 kg I don’t think I want to become a pro- TRES fessional sailor. I’d rather keep it as The ultimate challenge for two. Like the Duo, “I cannot imagine a life without boats. my hobby.” but now equipped with a gennaker (8.60 My parents own an old Falcon class square metres) on a retractable bowsprit. keelboat, sail

TEST TEAM TESTER Age 14 years DAPHNE For the purpose of this test importer Friesland Length 1.70 m Watersport brought two hulls and all the rig Weight 55 kg varieties so the Waterkampioen test team could indulge themselves. The team consists “In started sailing an Optimist aged of young but experienced sailors. Most of seven at my local club. Before that my them sail in comparable dinghies like the father had taken me in his Sixteen Laser and Splash. We were very curious what square metre class. We also own a this group would make of the motor launch, two inflatables and I concept and capabilities of the Topper Topaz. sail a Splash nowadays. I do compete, Polyethylene is not a new material to attached on the cockpit floor. The pur- sailed by one or two crew and offers I started racing in my Optimist. I was make boats. In the past some said that chase is 4:1. The centreboard and rud- similarly outstanding value to the Uno First of all the rigging. The first step is to lift brought up with sailing. My dad races champion but enjoying my sailing is boats would age under ultraviolet rays der blade are made of moulded plastic. Plus (but for those who want a bit more the hulls from the trailer. The 60kg hull is eas- an O-dinghy. Holidays are usually all more important. in sunlight. This has proved not to be power!) ily lifted by two. The boat has rubber handles about sailing. We go to O-dinghy What’s so special about the Splash? so. This was the case with ABS, a differ- UNO PLUS with a nice grip and also the gunwhale has events around the world. The Splash Nothing really. It sails.” ent kind of plastic. Another problem The same as the Uno, with the addition DUO grips that make for easy carrying. When we comes too of have to carry the boats further to the lawn a with polyethylene was said to be the of a small jib, (1.09 square metre). This This boat has a different rig as its four course. I’d like to be the national fact that you could not repair it. Also can also be bought separately at a later brothers. The mast has been replaced trolley becomes a more attractive option. untrue. Repair kits are available making stage. Where the UNO was still a one by a one piece, tapered aluminium one When I was little I took it out a lot. We Rigging the UNO is easy, a matter of putting repairs very simple. For further confi- person affair, the PLUS offers fun for with adjustable spreaders. Spreaders? also used to have a sailing yacht. We the mastpieces together and sliding the sail dence the Topaz comes complete with a two. This is the most popular version Yes, the mast now has shrouds; flying sold that and now we have a lakeside over. Righting the mast can be done easily by reassuring three year warranty on the of the Topaz. Probably because it offers the is therefore a new chal- cottage, so I am always on the water. hull. such remarkable value for money. lenge. one person. The mast fits in a hole in the hull I’ve sailed on my own from the age of and is fixed by an aluminium gate. Therefore, six or seven. And I’ve been known to The unique feature on the Topper Topaz UNO RACE Importantly the new rig sits in a differ- no fumbling around with stays. The boom win the occasional regatta. This year is – as mentioned earlier- that it comes Similar to the UNO with a larger and ent position on the deck. So no compro- clicks onto the mast and the sail nine out of ten races. I plan to sail the in six varieties. In every case the hull more powerful mainsail: 6.93 square mise is made on the boats performance attaches to the outhaul at the clew. The leach qualification regattas for the Dutch remains the same, with a different rig metres. Made from mostly Mylar; a - despite the two very different mast is tensioned by the cunningham. After that it’s TESTER nationals. Every now and again I sail each time. clear laminate reinforced with carbonfi- set ups. a matter of threading in the mainsheet, YVETTE the Splash. The year you reach 15 you bre strands. The sail has three battens. attaching the kicking strap, putting the centre- can’t race the Optimist any more. So board in its slot and attaching the rudder. It is UNO In order to handle the higher speeds a Age 14 years next year I’ll probably have to sail the a lifting rudder, that kicks up automatically The basic model with a sleeved sail of different rudder blade is recommended. Length 1.67 m Splash. But I’m not sure I want to. when you hit the ground. 5.64 square metres. Available in white It is longer and shaped more aero- Weight 49 kg Maybe a Laser? Certainly not a . or in the red, white and blue of the dynamically in order to create less drag I’d fight with the crew. I also plan to Dutch national flag. The two piece mast and made out of epoxy with glass “We have quite a few boats. An start my own team next year training is made from aluminium, which makes fibres. Optimist (my boat), an inflatable, a young children in the Optimist.” it easy to transport. Simple, yet effec- rescue, a workboat, a motorlaunch tive. The boom comes with a kicker and UNO RACE PLUS and Pipo. Pipo is one of those really the mainsheet is attached in the middle This version features the Uno Race sail small rowing boats. and runs to a Ronstan mainsheet block with the addition of a jib. It can be Raising mast and sail can be done with would capsize and I did not like the idea. We once capsized a . I one hand and takes little strength. The jib think that is why I have the fear. My is hoisted “flying” (no forestay). The jib father has a Randmeer Class keelboat attaches to the bow and is hoisted by a and usually sails it with my brother. halyard. The halyard is simply led through Last year I went sailing on lake Kaag an eye on the mast and cleated at deck with my girlfriends. That was really level. The optional jib furler is a friendly TESTER fun. Now I am no longer afraid to cap- option. The jib sheet is HANNEKE size. I am fine being a crew, I do not endless and has to be threaded through Age 14 years necessarily have to helm. Although, fairleads and cleats. Length 1.65 m sailing is real fun. With the Topaz I am Weight 50 kg not afraid to capsize.” The DUO and TRES are slightly more com- “My father sails. I was not really into plicated. It starts off with an it. I was always afraid we aluminium bridge to support the mast. The mastfoot pivots and Age 16 years TESTER raising the mast can be done with one ROEL hand. Make sure you attach the shrouds Length 1.93 m 1 2 Weight 67 kg first and – when you want to trapeze – the trapeze wires. Raising the mast is helped “I usually sail the Randmeer class by pulling the forestay and attaching it. 1. This is what it is all about: Going for it! with my father. I went to camp a few Here also the jib is hoisted flying (when 2. Daphne and Hanneke in the UNO PLUS. times sailing the Optimist and the using a furler you don’t even need a Splash. I have been around boats forestay). The mainsheet is threaded dif- 3. The gennaker pole slides forward automatically when hoisting the gennaker. practicly all my life, so it is logical that have to be able to afford one. And you ferently, but without any fuss. The boom is I can handle a boat a bit. I think I will should have a dinghy too. Just to fool more sophisticated than the one on the 4. For shorter persons two toestraps might be bet- 3 always race . My dream around.” UNO and the outhaul is more refined. The ter. boom attaches to the mast with a goose- 5. Rubber handles and moulded-in grips. is a Rainbow class keelboat. But you neck. The 7 gennaker is hoisted from a bag and 6. The charm of a dinghy is finding your My dad has a Randmeer class keel- limits. boat. I go along because I like it. My attaches to a gennaker pole. To explain mum also comes along. I usually here how all the lines run would be taking 7. Click on and sail away. When running aground crew, but I also helm. I have an it too far. Worth mentioning is the fact that the rudderblade kicks up Optimist and I already take classes. I the automatically. 4 do not sail regattas yet. I went along gennaker pole protrudes 8. Never used a gennaker before and they just sail TESTER with daddy on a race once. I do not automatically when hoistng the away. MEIKE remember how we finished though. gennaker and slides back when Perhaps I want to be a world champi- you retrieve it. All this is done by an end- 9. The maststep of the UNO. With the DUO and TRES the mast is positioned further back on a special Age 8 years on later on” less halyard. Topper supplies a very clear Length 1.30 m aluminium bridge. manual with every boat that explains in Weight 29 kg photos and text – in English – step by step 10. Through a secret process metal rods are mould- “I have been sailing for quite a while. how to rig the boat. We see boats much ed in the hull. How do they do that? more expensive supplied without a manu- 5 8 Age 15 years al. This must be said. Length 1.85 m Weight 63 kg

“At present I sail a . I’ve been sailing on my own for nine years TESTER now, before that my parents took me. SANDER We used to rent a sixteen square metre class keelboat. I started off in My dad sails an Olympic dinghy nowa- 9 an Optimist and later a Cadet. That days and we travel around following was not a real succes; my crew and I the races. When I have passed my were always fighting. I am a solo school exams I want to go to the player. The Laser suits me well: she’s Maritime College. I want to be a cap- fast and looks cool. tain.”

6 10 NO TIME TO LOSE abeam and no gennaker the speed are limits. Laura: “Racing in the rain is OK... times. The open small. It was hard for me to find support. It ted with a cleat. The only minor quibbles You can tell our team spend a lot of time on they develop with the bigger rig is impres- but not my idea of fun”. A day later things transom is very good, because steers a bit like the Splash. You have to get were that the sides are a bit slippery for the water. When the wind gusts across Lake sive.The bow lifts from the look a lot better. The wind is still there but a otherwise a lot of water comes in and you used to its behaviour. But overall I thought some and the toestrap a stretch for very Reeuwijk and dark clouds loom over the hori- water and in no time Roel is out on the tra- sun shines over the lake. Ideal for testing. have to get rid of it. It is also nice to climb it was fab. Although I felt quite tired at the small people. The toestrap can be replaced zon, sailing is the only thing the members of peze. It does not take too much time before back on board through the open transom end by two on either side of the cockpit. the test team want. they capsize. The winds at Reeuwijk are This time with a new member: Yvette, ill yes- after capsizing. It is a wet boat, but a spec- of the day.” notorious for their shifts or to drop off com- terday but here now. Capsizing is a lot less tacular one.” Sailing with the Topaz is a nice challenge for And although we have the luxury of pletely every now and again. “I am complete- and depending on who sails in what proves both beginners and advanced sailors, for two testboats, it is the TRES with all ly soaked, this drysuit leaks like a basket” how well thought-out the Topaz concept real- Yvette: “This spinnaker sailing is children and adults alike. It is not overly sta- its gadgets that attracts the most attention. Roel calls we come alongside the capsized ly is. awesome. Oh, it‘s a gennaker. What‘s the dif- ble and you have – in every option – to find Roel and Sander – the oldest gentlemen in boat. Righting the boat is peanuts for these ference? Doesn’t matter! It makes you go the right balance. In short: A really fun boat to the club – pull the longest straw. It takes a guys: get on the centreboard and flip her up. Hanneke loves crewing with Laura on the really fast! The fun thing is that it becomes a sail in which you will not lose interest too little while to figure everything out and this As long as the mast does not stick in the simple UNO PLUS. Her fear of capsizing is real boat. At first I thought: “All those lines, soon. gives Daphne and Hanneke the opportunity to Reeuwijk mud, a flawless method. In the gone: “It’s so easy righting a boat like this” what to do with them?” It does not look very put the Topaz Uno Plus to the water and be meantime the ladies also capsized in a far Meike, also crewing, is content: “The jib is logical at first, but you get used to it quickly off. corner of the lake, but before we are there easy to handle. and then everything goes by itself. I think it they have righted the Topaz and are sailing It is a very nice boat, my daddy should buy would make a fantastic boat for the club. One again. This continues throughout the morning one”. Also the more seasoned sailors have hull and three sails. You can put everybody in with a steep learning curve. Back on firm their opinon. Laura feels the cockpit is very it, even those who cannot sail and want to ground, everybody is enthusiastic about the shallow compared to the Splash. “The boat learn. It would make a great racing class. My daddy Topaz. Sander: “This is is very Funny that officially you cannot tack a gen- awesome, and it goes really fast” He responsive, it reacts to every naker. Or that it is “not done” should buy one is completely exhausted and feels that you movement. In spite of that I am the only one have to get used to the Topaz. who did not capsize once” When we follow a bit later with the Photo CONCLUSION motorboat “Van Kampen” they are already We did it alright didn’t we? Gybing may be We have little to add to the test teams opin- having a ball on the lake. In a strong force 4 VERY SPECTACULAR the way to go, but it takes a lot of time. When ions. The hull of the Topaz is well made and the Topaz shows a lot of speed, even with the THERE ARE LIMITS Sander and Roel think the Topaz is a fan- I do everything the way it should be I am very soundly constructed. The bottom is rein- simple sail. The girls are used to dinghies, The weather is not improving and in tastic fun boat to sail. And that it looks always last. Better to do it my way and come forced with three but this is something else…… On the hori- the afternoon wind and rain pick up dramati- really cool. “Weight-trim is very important. first.” ribs so you can easily beach the boat without zon also Sander and Roel appear. Wind cally. In spite of the skilled test team there You have to get in the back of the boat some- damaging it. The fittings are Ronstan and of Daphne: “The toestrap in the middle good quality. Fixed in all the right places and of the boat is not ideal when you are really working properly. The mainsheet block is fit-

WATERKAMPIOEN magazine 2003 Translated by Friesland Watersports

Test Report 2 Reprinted from Yachts & Yachting

Test Report 3 Reprinted from Yachts & Yachting

Current prices and specifications are available by calling the Topper sales Office on 01233 629186