Welcome to Donaghadee Sailing Club’s fun filled TOPPER SPRINT challenge.
Back for 2026! (July 25 & 26^th)

ENTRY NOW OPEN.     (More details, including NOR & SIs at bottom of this page.)

Not travelling to the Topper Worlds or UK Nationals???

Which means you’ve got an 8 week gap in your event calendar!!!

Sad times indeed.

But fear not, Donaghadee Sailing Club has you covered.
We are hosting an event in the middle of that 8 week gap.

But let’s mix it up a little and have a SPRINT event. 

It’s been a few years since we’ve been able to run this event for the Topper Class, but we’re back for 2026 with a bang!
So come along to Donaghadee, race in this fast paced, full filled challenge.
(EVENT OVERVIEW/EXPLANATION is available here:  Topper-Sprints-EVENT OVERVIEW)

The emphasis of the Topper SPRINT challenge at DSC is on a fun filled learning experience, it is rather different to that of a normal traveller race day or weekend. It’s all about getting practise at starts, mark rounding, finishes, making new friends & having fun, so whether you are a seasoned racer or just starting out on your Topper journey this event is for you!

DSC has hosted these SPRINT events in the past. (Just ask your older siblings how much fun they were.) On previous years we saw 90+ starts across the whole fleet, with short, close racing with the race area in Donaghadee Bay. This, close to shore race area, allows for spectacular viewing either from the clubhouse or the promenade.

Saturday: Boats will be split into flights (mini fleets) of 5-6 topper sailors per fleet. Saturday will be a quickfire series of back-to-back races, with a start signal and flag approximately every 3 minutes for a new race.
The individual race durations are planned to take between 10-15min to complete before you line up again for the next race. Meaning each participant will have around 10 short races over the whole day.
Sunday: The competitors will be once again be split/ranked into new Gold, Silver & Bronze fleets (based on Saturdays results) for Sundays GRAND FINALS.
This ranking means, everyone of all abilities will get a chance to win their category. It should be a good few days fun!

It is a great opportunity to try something new. 

An event where consistency is the key to success.

Numbers will be limited and entries must be booked & paid for via the link below.

FURTHER INFO from the RACE Office:

EVENT OVERVIEW/EXPLANATION is available here:  Topper-Sprints-EVENT OVERVIEW

NOTICE OF RACE is available here:                                     Topper-Sprints-NOR 2026

SAILING INSTRUCTIONS:                                                     SIs to be issued at registration

SUPPORT BOATS are to call or email:                                 Stuart Ogg on 07714262223 or stuart@consultav.com

Additional Info:

• Boat drop off from FRIDAY EVENING, July 24th.
• The Clubhouse & Bar will be open throughout the weekend, including on the Friday night. You will be very welcome.
• Registration will be in the Clubhouse on SATURDAY (9am -10am)
• VISITING RIBS: A small number of moorings will be available in the harbour for visiting ribs. **this must be pre-booked with Stuart**
• Accommodation
  • CAMPING can be arranged upon request.
  • MOTORHOME parking available throughout Donaghadee. The clubhouse has visitor toilet/shower and kitchen facilities, which will be available 24hrs/day.
  • ACCOMODATION there are many B&Bs, Air B&Bs etc available in Donaghadee and the surrounding area. Just Google Donaghadee, accommodation. For your convenience, we have listed a few below
    • Pier 36: https://pier36.co.uk/
    • One Shore Street: https://oneshorestreet.co.uk/
    • The Secret Garden: https://www.thesecretgardendonaghadee.co.uk/
    • Self Catering www.bedroomvillas.com/donghadee

• Other spot prizes are planned…. furtherest distance travelled, best overall club etc may be awarded.
• Entries open to both 5.3 & 4.2 rigs
• A Regatta Fleet is not applicable. The very nature o fthe event format menas that ‘Regatta Fleet’ Sailors shoud entre, and will be filtered into thier peirs for Sundays BRONZE FLEET medal races.
• No body will be left to languish at the rear. We will have COACH BOAT to the rear 1/4 of fleets to help encourage sailors round the course. THIS EVENT IS ALL ABOUT INCLUDING & ENCOURAGING SAILORS OF ALL LEVELS.
• Club training boats will be available to members FOC and to non-member for a nominal fee.
• As this event coincides with the Topper Worlds, this event is not counted in the Topper Ireland overall ranking results for the year.
• For more information please contact Stuart Ogg – 07714262223 or stuart@consultav.com