Topper Topaz
The Topper Topaz is a British single-handed or two-handed sailing dinghy that was designed as a beginner and intermediate racer.[1]
 Topaz Uno Plus | |
| Development | |
|---|---|
| Location | United Kingdom |
| Builder(s) | Topper International |
| Boat | |
| Crew | One or two |
| Boat weight | 60 kg (132 lb) hull |
| Hull | |
| Type | Monohull |
| Construction | tri-laminate |
| LOA | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) |
| Beam | 1.45 m (4.8 ft) |
| Hull appendages | |
| Keel/board type | daggerboard |
| Ballast | none |
| Rudder(s) | transom-mounted rudder |
| Rig | |
| Rig type | Bermuda rig |
| Sails | |
| Sailplan | Fractional rigged sloop |
| Mainsail area | 5.64 m2 (60.7 sq ft) |
| Jib/genoa area | 1.75 sq ft (0.163 m2) |
| Total sail area | 7.39 m2 (79.5 sq ft) |
The boat is referred to by the manufacturer as the Topaz System, as the basic hull can be fitted with four interchangeable rig and sail combinations, with the aim of matching performance to sailor skill level.[1][2][3]
The design is recognized as an ISAF Learn To Sail Class and was named Best Dinghy by Sail Magazine.[1]
Production
The design is built by Topper International in the United Kingdom.[1]
Design
The Topaz is a recreational sailboat, with the hull built from a Metalicene superlinear polyethylene and honeycomb structure tri-laminate. It has a fractional sloop rig, with a tapered mast, a plumb stem, a reverse transom, a transom-hung rudder controlled by a tiller with a hiking stick and a daggerboard. The hull displaces 60 kg (132 lb)[1][2][4]
Variants
- Topaz Uno Plus
- This base model has a dacron mainsail and jib with an area totalling 7.39 m2 (79.5 sq ft)[1]
- Topaz Race
- This model has a clear, fully-battened mylar mainsail and jib with an area totalling 8.68 m2 (93.4 sq ft) [1]
- Topaz Race X
- This model has a clear, fully-battened mylar mainsail and jib with an area totalling 8.68 m2 (93.4 sq ft), plus an asymmetrical 8.41 m2 (90.5 sq ft) spinnaker.[1]
- Topaz Tres X
- This model has a clear, fully-battened mylar mainsail and jib with an area totalling 8.68 m2 (93.4 sq ft), plus an asymmetrical 8.41 m2 (90.5 sq ft) spinnaker and a trapeze.[1]
Operational history
An evaluation published in Yachts and Yachting concluded that the Race X model provides "seriously fast sailing for the club sailor right through to a professional sailor. The asymmetric system is simple, easy to use and easy to rig and takes the boat to yet another level only found in boats costing twice the retail price." About the Tres the report states, "Once the kite [spinnaker] is up, the Tres fairly shoots away. Reaching performance is truly in the apparent wind sailing league".[1]
In a Sailing World article in 2017, American writer Tim Zimmermann praised the design as the ideal boat for a family with young children learning to sail. He indicated that the boat combines excitement, durability, versatility, is fast to rig and de-rig, "semi-indestructible", affordable and able to accommodate a three or more children, or a child and an adult.[3]
References
- Topper International. "Topaz". toppersailboats.com. Archived from the original on 6 October 2019. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
- Sky International. "Topper Topaz - An ideal family multi-purpose dinghy". www.sky-international.com. Archived from the original on 4 February 2019. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
- Zimmermann, Tim (8 October 2013). "In Praise Of The Topaz". Sailing World. Archived from the original on 13 July 2017. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
- Topper International (15 September 2019). "Unique & Unrivalled Construction Quality" (PDF). toppersailboats.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 September 2019. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
