Race-spec Topper and starter Toppers available for long-term loan from the Club – application deadline 31st August 2026

Calling all aspiring young Topper sailors…

NCSC has a race-spec Topper dinghy that was provided by the John Merricks Sailing Trust (JMST) in partnership with the RYA, with the aim of supporting youngsters who displayed enthusiasm, drive, talent and commitment to the sport and who may not ordinarily have had the opportunity or financial backing to achieve their goals.  We are looking for an enthusiastic young racing sailor to take over use of this boat from August 2026 until August 2027 in the first instance. The  top photo show James Burton who has campaigned both at Notts County and on the National circuit.

In addition, NCSC also has two much more basic Toppers that are used for long-term loan, with similar (but earlier-stage) objectives in mind.  We would like to hear from any keen young sailors who might be interested in taking up one of these boats (when one is available) to practice their sailing skills.

James Burton had the Topper till Sept 2026 and sent us this: 

“I started sailing at Saturday Club at Notts County when I was about 8. I borrowed Blutak for a year and got really into sailing. Once I started racing on the Midlands topper circuit, my dad bought me an old red topper which I raced for 2 years but it kept springing leaks and I used to come in with litres of water inside my hull!

I was loaned the John Merrick’s Trust Topper and used it to race the Midlands Topper circuit and the National series for two years. My best moment in the JMST Topper was going to the World Championships ar  Medemblik in The Nederlands. I used the boat for the Topper National Squad training and we travelled all over the UK with the boat on the roof of our car. Next I plan on competing on the global stage either in an ILCA or a 29er. It is clear the use of the JMT topper was imperative to where I am today and gave me key experiences. I hope the next person enjoys the boat as much as I did and I would like to thank the club very much for lending me the boat.” James 

There is a bit more detail below, but for further information, please contact ryadinghy@ncsc.org.uk 

JMST Race-spec Topper

For this boat, the club is looking for a young sailor who:

• Does not own their own boat
• Displays enthusiasm, drive and commitment to racing, including competing in open events.

However, the club will also consider someone that owns only a basic boat and displays enthusiasm, drive and commitment to racing.

The club would expect the young sailor to

• Use the boat to further their progress in sailing and sail racing
• Demonstrate commitment to sailing and sail racing throughout the loan period
• Attend NCSC Youth Race Squad Class; ideally also attend Association Regional travellers, open training events and RYA Junior Championships where possible.

Club Toppers

There are two entry-level Toppers available for long-term loan. The club is looking for early-stage young sailors who

1. Do not own their own boat
2. Display enthusiasm for sailing and are keen to develop their skills, for example to practice skills learnt on a youth Level 2 course before progressing to a youth Level 3 course

The club would expect the early-stage young sailors to:

• Use the boat to further their progress in sailing
• Demonstrate commitment to sailing throughout the loan period

The sailing could be at Saturday Club; informal “cruising”; or in racing (for example Tuesday evenings or Saturday afternoon) or Youth Race Squad.   It does not have to be racing: the intention is to allow young sailors to build their skills and enthusiasm out on the water.

What do to next

Please speak to Ross, or Glyn if you are potentially interested, or email.: ryadinghy@ncsc.org.uk  The next loan period is from Sept 2027, Issac Dickenson is making good use of it for the rest of 2026 and to Sept 2027, sailing at the club and regional events.

• applicants should provide a short explanation of the sailing they have done so far; and how they think using the Topper for the year would benefit their sailing goals.
• If they wish, applicants can also name someone who would be happy to talk about the sailing that the applicant has done – though we would expect most applicants who are likely to be successful to already be well known to at least one member of the reviewing panel or the wider Training Team.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Other club boats

The club has other boats available for long term loan and short-term use for adults and juniors, as mentioned on the club website Use of Club Boats – Notts County Sailing Club (ncsc.org.uk).  This sets out the boats available, the booking process and recommended experience levels, expressed in terms of RYA levels, but without certificates being required.  If you have any questions about club boat use, please contact Glyn Ritchie (RYAdinghy@ncsc.co.uk)Aug