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Topper
Designer: Ian Proctor  ·  Builder: Topper International (Uk)  ·  First built: 1965
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About the Topper

Designed as an accessible and responsive single-handed dinghy, the Topper has built a strong reputation as one of the most popular youth and beginner sailing boats in the world, particularly across the United Kingdom and Europe. Introduced in the 1970s and manufactured using a distinctive injection-moulded polypropylene hull, the Topper was ahead of its time in terms of durability and low maintenance, making it a practical choice for sailing schools and young sailors alike. Nimble and forgiving on the water, the Topper is ideally suited to inshore and sheltered water sailing, where its lively handling characteristics can be fully appreciated. It rewards developing sailors with genuine feedback and responsiveness without being unmanageably demanding. A thriving one-design racing class has grown around the boat, offering competitive opportunities at club, national, and international levels. For those researching a first boat or a platform for junior development, the Topper represents excellent value. Its robust construction, widespread class support, and strong resale market make it a sensible and enduring choice for anyone looking to enter the sport or nurture the next generation of sailors.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 11.17 ft / 3.40 m
Beam 3.94 ft / 1.20 m
Max Draft 2.50 ft / 0.76 m
Displacement 99.00 lb / 45 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Dbrd. Dinghy
Rigging Type Cat (unstayed)
Construction FG
Designer Ian Proctor
Builder Topper International (UK)
First Built 1965
Number Built 50000
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
51.64
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
2.45
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 4.13 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 0.8 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 0.25 ft / 0.08 m
J (Foretriangle Base) Three versions which differ based on sail area:
P (Mainsail Luff) 57.00 ft² / 5.30 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 17.00 ft / 5.18 m
How It Compares

vs. Europe International, Heron, Penguin

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Topper ★
11.2 ft
Europe International
11.0 ft
Heron
11.3 ft
Penguin
11.4 ft
Beam
Topper ★
3.9 ft
Europe International
4.4 ft
Heron
4.5 ft
Penguin
4.7 ft
Displacement
Topper ★
99 lbs
Europe International
99 lbs
Heron
140 lbs
Penguin
140 lbs
Sail Area
Topper ★
Europe International
76 sq ft
Heron
70 sq ft
Penguin
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Topper ★
Europe International
56.8
Heron
41.6
Penguin
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Topper ★
2.5
Europe International
1.9
Heron
2.9
Penguin
2.7
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Topper ★
51
Europe International
33
Heron
71
Penguin
68
Hull Speed
Topper ★
4.1 kts
Europe International
4.4 kts
Heron
4.1 kts
Penguin
4.2 kts
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