Topper Ireland has launched a new Training and Development Plan in collaboration with Irish Sailing, alongside a call out for expressions of interest for coaches to become involved. The plan provides a framework for open, class-led training across the Topper racing fleet, with the aim of giving sailors access to consistent, high-quality coaching throughout the season.
The Topper class training is designed to work alongside existing club programmes, creating opportunities for sailors to train in larger groups, work with experienced coaches and access coaching expertise that may not always be available within a home club. The programme will include four winter training weekends, local development training, summer event-focused training, and support around the Topper World Championships. A key part of the plan is the introduction of local development training, allowing clubs with developing Topper programmes to work with the class to organise bespoke training weekends. These sessions will provide access to an experienced coach while helping clubs strengthen their own coaching structures and build sustainable local programmes.
Coach development will also form an important part of the programme. With a number of coaches working alongside one another at class training events, the programme will create opportunities to share ideas, observations and coaching experience. Irish Sailing Coach Developers will support this through workshops and opportunities for coaches to shadow and learn from more experienced coaches at selected open class training events.
The wider aim is to provide sailors with a clear and reliable training structure from their early stages in the Topper fleet through to more experienced racing. Coaches involved in the programme will also be able to support sailors and clubs with advice around training and development in areas where a regular class-specific programme may not currently be available. The Training and Development Plan is intended to evolve alongside the needs of the fleet. The programme will be reviewed throughout the season, with a formal annual review between Topper Ireland and Irish Sailing to ensure it continues to complement club activity and provide meaningful opportunities for sailors and coaches across the country.
Coach Expression of Interest: here.