Viking Marine: Empowering Champions at the 28th International Topper World Championships
From July 24th to 28th, 2023, the world's oldest sailing club, the Royal Cork Yacht Club in Crosshaven, was buzzing with excitement as it hosted the 28th edition of the International Topper 4.2 and 5.3 World Championships. I had the privilege of being a part of this amazing event with Viking Marine. Being surrounded by so many talented young sailors from 8 different nations, including Ireland, Belgium, the UK, Spain, Malta, China, Hong Kong, Switzerland, and Brazil, was an experience like no other. The Royal Cork Yacht Club's history of hosting prestigious World Championships made the event even more special. This year’s World's saw a remarkable showing, boasting an impressive enrollment of 198 sailors in the Topper 5.3 fleet and an additional 60 in the more compact Topper 4.2 class, a testament to Topper’s continuous growth in Ireland.
Early on, Cork sailors showed their prowess on the water, leading the way in both the 5.3 and 4.2 Classes, with Great Britain taking the lead in the finals series of the 5.3 Class, and an Irish sailor taking first in the 4.2 Class. Congratulations to all the winners and participants who gave their best across five long days of racing. But it wasn't just about the racing; there was plenty of fun off the water too! The competitors' parade, A Taste Of Cork food and drink event, Cork County Council Monster BBQ, Funfair, Talent Show, and of course, Friday’s award ceremony provided great entertainment.
The success of the Topper World Championship owes much credit to the sailors, coaches, organisers, and all others involved. Your dedication and passion for the sport contributed to a great event. Throughout the championship, Viking Marine was a steadfast presence in support of the competitors, offering consistent and unwavering assistance. At Viking Marine, our commitment to providing top-tier products and support remains steadfast. The camaraderie and sailing spirit observed during this championship further fuel our pursuit of excellence in the sailing world.
A special shoutout to Robert Bateman for capturing the essence of the World Championships through his exceptional photos. You can the rest of the photos from the event in the Robert Bateman Gallery on the Royal Cork Yacht Club website.
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